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George Mason University vs Radford University

George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. Radford University is a public university in Radford, VA. George Mason University admits about 87% of applicants and Radford University about 90%, making George Mason University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,578 a year at Radford University after aid, and about $17,915 at George Mason University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 49% at Radford University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $53,739 for Radford University.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Radford, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,752
6,038
Acceptance rate
87%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
940–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$14,578
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$28,405
In-state tuition
$14,220
$12,548
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$25,633
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$8,965
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$8,724
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$12,069
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$17,092
Over $110k
$25,894
$23,533
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
49%
Freshman retention
86%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$44,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$53,739
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
37%
First-generation students
30%
31%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 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.

Frequently asked questions
Is George Mason University or Radford University harder to get into?
George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 90% at Radford 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 Radford University?
Radford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,578 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 Radford University?
Before aid, Radford University costs about $28,405 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 Radford University?
Radford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,965 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 Radford University?
George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 6,038 at Radford University.
Does George Mason University or Radford University have a better graduation rate?
George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 49% at Radford University.
Do graduates of George Mason University or Radford University earn more?
George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,739 for Radford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do George Mason University and Radford University require SAT or ACT scores?
George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Radford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do George Mason University and Radford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 940–1160 at Radford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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