Ferrum College vs George Mason University
Ferrum College is a private college in Ferrum, VA. George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. George Mason University admits about 87% of applicants and Ferrum College about 89%, making George Mason University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,915 a year at George Mason University after aid, and about $20,082 at Ferrum College. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 30% at Ferrum College. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $44,296 for Ferrum College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Ferrum, VA
Fairfax, VA
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
699
27,752
Acceptance rate
89%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.18–3.68
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1100
1160–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,082
$17,915
Full cost / yr
$54,526
$28,604
In-state tuition
$28,520
$14,220
Out-of-state tuition
$28,520
$38,688
Application fee
$25
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,940
$11,942
$30k - $48k
$16,493
$12,093
$48k - $75k
$19,967
$15,224
$75k - $110k
$22,505
$19,430
Over $110k
$24,346
$25,894
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
69%
Freshman retention
64%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,418
$60,536
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,296
$76,343
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
30%
First-generation students
39%
30%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Ferrum College or George Mason University harder to get into?
- George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 89% at Ferrum College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Ferrum College or George Mason University?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,082 at Ferrum College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Ferrum College and George Mason University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Ferrum College about $54,526. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Ferrum College or George Mason University?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $16,940 at Ferrum College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Ferrum College or George Mason University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 699 at Ferrum College.
- Does Ferrum College or George Mason University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 30% at Ferrum College.
- Do graduates of Ferrum College or George Mason University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,296 for Ferrum College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Ferrum College and George Mason University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Ferrum College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Ferrum College and George Mason University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1100 at Ferrum College and 1160–1360 at George Mason University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Ferrum College vs Washington University of Science and TechnologyFerrum College vs Hampden-Sydney CollegeFerrum College vs Bluefield UniversityGeorge Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusGeorge Mason University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityGeorge Mason University vs James Madison University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school