Fairfax, VA Overview
George Mason University is a public 4-year college located in Fairfax, Virginia. There are currently 26,447 undergraduates at George Mason and the school’s acceptance rate is 90%. The tuition at George Mason is $13,401 for in-state students and $38,983 for out-of-state.
Suburb
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
26,447
Pell Grant 30%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 19%
Undergrad Students Over 25 18%
Percent Male / Female 51% / 49%
Ethnic Diversity at George Mason
34% White
23% Asian / Pacific Islander
17% Hispanic
12% Black
5% Multiracial
5% International / Non-Citizen
3% Unknown
Academics Snapshot
Student/Faculty Ratio
16:1
Graduation Rate
71%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
20%
20% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
12%
12% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
8%
8% of graduates
Social Sciences
8%
8% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
8%
8% of graduates
Psychology
6%
6% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
Engineering
5%
5% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
5%
5% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
4%
4% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
2%
2% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
Mathematics
1%
1% of graduates
Communications Technologies
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
Scholarships & Financial Aid Snapshot
$31,303
$39,500
$17,385
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$31,303for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$56,885for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since George Mason is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at George Mason is $31,303 for in-state students in VA, and $56,885 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at George Mason would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
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George Mason University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at George Mason University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for George Mason University is 003749.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Pell Grants at George Mason University
28% of students at George Mason University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to George Mason University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
George Mason students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
George Mason University Financial Aid Resources
If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at George Mason or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!
Here’s how you can get in touch:
- Website: https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid
- Phone: 703-993-2000
Admissions Snapshot
90%
28
Is George Mason test-optional?
George Mason University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at George Mason?
Students must apply by February 1 to enroll at George Mason during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at George Mason, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Early Action at George Mason?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Student Outcomes Snapshot
Graduate Income
$76,343
Median Debt $19,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $207
Graduation Rate 71%
What is the graduation rate at George Mason University?
71% of students who start at George Mason University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 13% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of George Mason University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at George Mason University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $76,343. This is $25,952 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at George Mason take out in loans?
Graduates of George Mason have to take out a median of $19,500 in federal student loans. This is $6,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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