George Mason University

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Fairfax, VA
3.7 3 reviews

#5 Best Public Universities in Virginia

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

39,766

Location Fairfax, Virginia
Website gmu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban

Best Colleges Rank

#243

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia, approximately 15 miles west of Washington, D.C., in the heart of Northern Virginia's technology corridor. The main campus spans 677 acres of suburban landscape, featuring modern academic buildings and extensive green spaces. Established in 1957 as a branch of the University of Virginia before becoming independent in 1972, Mason has grown into Virginia's largest public research university. The university is recognized for its programs in economics, law, creative writing, and public policy, with the School of Public Policy being particularly well-connected to federal agencies and policy organizations in the capital region. Students can choose between on-campus housing in traditional residence halls or apartment-style living arrangements, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Patriots, participating in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

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Ratings

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

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

7 out of 10
Resources

7 out of 10
Outcomes

8 out of 10
Value

7 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for George Mason University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Difficult

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1160/1360
ACT (enrolled mid-50) 25/30
GPA 3.68

Acceptance Rate

87.5%

Applications Due Feb 1, 2027
Enrollment Rate 20.2%
Application Fee $70

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Virginia Resident Tuition

$14,220

Out of State Resident Tuition

$38,688

Breakdown

Tuition $14,220
Books and Supplies $1,288
Other Fees $3,828
Room and Board $15,725
Budget for Other Expenses $3,667
Total One Year Cost $38,728

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$61,900 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

64% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at George Mason University are Business, Social Sciences, and English and Literature. 23% of students major in Business, 16% in Social Sciences, and 10% in English and Literature.