George Mason University vs James Madison University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. James Madison University is a public university in Harrisonburg, VA. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants and George Mason University about 87%, making James Madison 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 $23,322 at James Madison University. About 80% of students graduate at James Madison University, compared with 69% at George Mason University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $69,954 for James Madison University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Harrisonburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
20,888
Acceptance rate
87%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$23,322
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$31,735
In-state tuition
$14,220
$14,250
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$31,604
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$11,444
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$12,977
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$16,475
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$22,343
Over $110k
$25,894
$30,147
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
80%
Freshman retention
86%
92%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$57,438
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$69,954
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$20,093
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
17%
First-generation students
30%
21%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 15
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 George Mason University or James Madison University harder to get into?
- James Madison University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 87% at George Mason University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, George Mason University or James Madison University?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,322 at James Madison University. 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 George Mason University and James Madison University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and James Madison University about $31,735. 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, George Mason University or James Madison University?
- James Madison University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,444 there, against about $11,942 at George Mason University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, George Mason University or James Madison University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 20,888 at James Madison University.
- Does George Mason University or James Madison University have a better graduation rate?
- James Madison University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 69% at George Mason University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or James Madison University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,954 for James Madison University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and James Madison University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. James Madison University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and James Madison University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1170–1340 at James Madison University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
George Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusGeorge Mason University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityGeorge Mason University vs Old Dominion UniversityJames Madison University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusJames Madison University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityJames Madison University vs Old Dominion University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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