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#5 Best Public Universities in Virginia

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

 3 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

39,049
George Mason University overview
Location Fairfax, Virginia
Online gmu.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban
George Mason University overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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George Mason University, situated in Fairfax, Virginia, offers a suburban setting approximately 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Established in 1957 as a branch of the University of Virginia and acquiring independent status in 1972, George Mason stands as Virginia?s largest public research university. The university encompasses a range of architectural styles across its campus buildings, with a mix of modern and traditional designs. George Mason is known for fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment with a wide array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, with particular recognition in fields such as economics, law, and computer science. While the university has a moderately selective admissions process, it accommodates a significant number of students offering on-campus housing options to nurture a collegial living-learning experience. George Mason is also known for its active participation in NCAA Division I athletics, with its teams competing under the moniker "Patriots" and a history of notable achievements in men's basketball.

In the most recent statistical year 20,001 prospective students applied, and 18,001 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 4,144 enrolled in the school.  27,121 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 11,928 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,795 plus fees of $3,606. Mason is ranked 228 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

7/10

Overall

8/10

Academics

6/10

Resources

8/10

Outcomes

7/10

Value

Mason is rated within the top 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for George Mason University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Difficult
George Mason University overview
SAT 1140/1350
ACT 25/31
GPA 3.68

Applications Accepted

90% 
George Mason University overview
Applications Due Feb 1, 2025
Applicant Competition Very Low
Application Fee $70

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Virginia Resident Tuition

$9,795
In State Costs for George Mason University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,278
Other Fees$3,606
Room and Board $13,120
Budget for Other Expenses$3,504
Total One Year Cost$31,303

Out of State Resident Tuition

$35,377
Out of State Costs for George Mason University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,278
Other Fees$3,606
Room and Board $13,120
Budget for Other Expenses$3,504
Total One Year Cost$56,885

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$61,900 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

64% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by George Mason University students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 23%
Social Sciences 16%
English and Literature 10%
Psychology 8%
Visual and Performing Arts 7%

View All 59 Majors

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Questions and Answers

CollegeSimply Advisor posts about George Mason University.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232186 IPEDS survey data for George Mason University.

Current students may use the George Mason University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024