Acceptance Rate
87%
Avg. SAT
1360
75th percentile
“Fairfax's sprawling public university powerhouse, surging with economists, policy experts, and tech innovators steps from Washington, D.C.”
Fairfax, VA
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
George Mason University traces its roots to 1957, when it opened as a northern Virginia outpost of the University of Virginia before striking out on its own in 1972 and taking the name of George Mason, the patriot who drafted Virginia's Declaration of Rights. You'll find a student body that's incredibly large and diverse, drawing ambitious types who thrive in a fast-paced, pragmatic environment focused on real-world skills over ivory-tower ideals. The school's personality shines as practical and upwardly mobile, with a commuter-heavy vibe that suits independent students who treat college like a launchpad to D.C. careers.
Nestled in Fairfax County's suburbs, about 20 miles west of the White House, GMU lets you dip into the capital's energy without its chaos. The surrounding area buzzes with government contractors, tech firms, and high-end strip malls, but expect a high cost of living that pinches off-campus budgets. Those who love small-town intimacy or constant hand-holding from professors might feel lost in the scale here, where big enrollment means navigating crowds and self-starting your network.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
You'll dive into massive lecture halls for intro classes, but upper-level seminars in strengths like economics, information technology, and public policy foster lively debates with faculty who often juggle D.C. consulting gigs. The economics department stands out, thanks to the legacy of Nobel winner James Buchanan, and research opportunities abound at centers like the Mercatus Center, where undergrads can assist on policy papers. Competitive programs in business and cybersecurity draw crowds, so popular majors fill up fast, and you'll need strong grades to switch in.
Class sizes shrink in honors tracks or the Honors College, where small cohorts tackle interdisciplinary challenges, but the overall research university feel means professors prioritize grants over office hours at times.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
28,334 undergrad • 11,432 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
35%
Black / African American
11%
Hispanic / Latino
15%
Asian
19%
Other / Multi-racial
19%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Fairfax, VA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week mixes early commutes or dorm breakfasts with club meetings, gym sessions at the Recreation Center, and weekend Metro trips to D.C. for internships or Nationals games. Campus pulses with over 500 clubs, from debate to dance, and the social scene leans energetic but spread out—think tailgates for basketball rather than raging frat rows. Residential life houses around 6,000 students in modern apartments and suites, fostering bonds, though many peers live off-campus and prioritize jobs over late-night hangs.
Suburban Fairfax delivers safe walks through wooded paths on the 1,000-acre campus, but relentless traffic and pricey eats nearby test your patience. Winters chill without much snow, summers swelter, and the vibe stays focused rather than nonstop party, suiting studious types who build their fun around D.C. adventures.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Atlantic 10 Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
86%
4 Years Graduation Rate
59%
6 Years Graduation Rate
74%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$76,343
86% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at George Mason University and return in the fall. 59% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 74% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
59%
4-5 years
15%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
24%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$9,795
Acceptance
87%
Undergrads
28,334
4-Year Grad Rate
59%
Endowment
$164M
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
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