George Mason University vs Old Dominion University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA, and Old Dominion University is a public university in Norfolk, VA. George Mason University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 90% at Old Dominion University. Old Dominion University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,638 a year against $17,915 at George Mason University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 45% at Old Dominion University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $54,914 for Old Dominion University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Norfolk, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
17,514
Acceptance rate
87%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1100–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$14,638
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$29,446
In-state tuition
$14,220
$12,750
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$33,780
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$9,739
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$10,114
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$13,123
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$16,940
Over $110k
$25,894
$23,567
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
45%
Freshman retention
86%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$46,732
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$54,914
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
37%
First-generation students
30%
33%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
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 George Mason University or Old Dominion University harder to get into?
- George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 90% at Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion University?
- Old Dominion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,638 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 Old Dominion University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Old Dominion University about $29,446. 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 Old Dominion University?
- Old Dominion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,739 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 Old Dominion University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 17,514 at Old Dominion University.
- Does George Mason University or Old Dominion University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 45% at Old Dominion University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Old Dominion University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,914 for Old Dominion University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Old Dominion University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Old Dominion University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Old Dominion University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1100–1280 at Old Dominion 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 UniversityOld Dominion University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusOld Dominion University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityOld Dominion University vs James Madison University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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