George Mason University vs Norfolk State University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. Norfolk State University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. George Mason University admits about 87% of applicants and Norfolk State University about 88%, making George Mason University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,282 a year at Norfolk State University after aid, and about $17,915 at George Mason University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 36% at Norfolk State University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $44,666 for Norfolk State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Norfolk, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
5,392
Acceptance rate
87%
88%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
823–1030
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$15,282
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$26,633
In-state tuition
$14,220
$10,180
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$21,682
Application fee
$70
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$12,804
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$13,905
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$15,507
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$17,972
Over $110k
$25,894
$26,175
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
36%
Freshman retention
86%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$33,412
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$44,666
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$29,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
65%
First-generation students
30%
37%
International students
5%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Mar 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 Norfolk State University harder to get into?
- George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 88% at Norfolk State 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 Norfolk State University?
- Norfolk State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,282 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 Norfolk State University?
- Before aid, Norfolk State University costs about $26,633 a year and George Mason University about $28,604. 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 Norfolk State University?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $12,804 at Norfolk State 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 Norfolk State University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 5,392 at Norfolk State University.
- Does George Mason University or Norfolk State University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 36% at Norfolk State University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Norfolk State University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,666 for Norfolk State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Norfolk State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Norfolk State University requires SAT or ACT scores.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Norfolk State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 823–1030 at Norfolk State 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 UniversityNorfolk State University vs William & MaryNorfolk State University vs Virginia State UniversityNorfolk State University vs Radford 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