George Mason University vs Mary Baldwin University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA, and Mary Baldwin University is a private university in Staunton, VA. Both admit about 87% of applicants. Mary Baldwin University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,756 a year against $17,915 at George Mason University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 43% at Mary Baldwin University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $44,427 for Mary Baldwin University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fairfax, VA
Staunton, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
1,090
Acceptance rate
87%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
940–1120
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$12,756
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$45,935
In-state tuition
$14,220
$34,152
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$34,152
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$12,717
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$9,527
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$11,537
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$14,801
Over $110k
$25,894
$14,806
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
43%
Freshman retention
86%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$39,075
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$44,427
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$26,586
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
55%
First-generation students
30%
40%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling
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 Mary Baldwin University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 87% of applicants. 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 Mary Baldwin University?
- Mary Baldwin University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,756 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,915 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at George Mason University and Mary Baldwin University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Mary Baldwin University about $45,935. 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 Mary Baldwin University?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $12,717 at Mary Baldwin 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 Mary Baldwin University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 1,090 at Mary Baldwin University.
- Does George Mason University or Mary Baldwin University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 43% at Mary Baldwin University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Mary Baldwin University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,427 for Mary Baldwin University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Mary Baldwin University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mary Baldwin University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Mary Baldwin University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 940–1120 at Mary Baldwin 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 James Madison UniversityMary Baldwin University vs Washington and Lee UniversityMary Baldwin University vs University of RichmondMary Baldwin University vs University of Virginia's College at Wise
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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