George Mason University vs Liberty University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. Liberty University is a private university in Lynchburg, VA. George Mason University admits about 87% of applicants and Liberty University about 99%, 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 $29,357 at Liberty University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 64% at Liberty University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $44,813 for Liberty University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fairfax, VA
Lynchburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
50,012
Acceptance rate
87%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1040–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
21–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$29,357
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$42,025
In-state tuition
$14,220
$22,465
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$22,465
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$30,667
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$27,807
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$27,347
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$27,142
Over $110k
$25,894
$30,545
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
64%
Freshman retention
86%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$39,707
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$44,813
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$24,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
38%
First-generation students
30%
42%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jul 29
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 Liberty University harder to get into?
- George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 99% at Liberty 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 Liberty University?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,357 at Liberty 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 Liberty University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Liberty University about $42,025. 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 Liberty University?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $30,667 at Liberty 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 Liberty University?
- Liberty University is the larger of the two, with about 50,012 undergraduates against 27,752 at George Mason University.
- Does George Mason University or Liberty University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 64% at Liberty University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Liberty University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,813 for Liberty University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Liberty University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Liberty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Liberty University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1040–1250 at Liberty University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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