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George Mason University vs Randolph-Macon College

George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. Randolph-Macon College is a private college in Ashland, VA. Both admit about 87% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $17,915 a year at George Mason University after aid, and about $27,866 at Randolph-Macon College. About 72% of students graduate at Randolph-Macon College, compared with 69% at George Mason University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $58,448 for Randolph-Macon College.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fairfax, VA
Ashland, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,752
1,639
Acceptance rate
87%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
980–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$27,866
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$63,985
In-state tuition
$14,220
$49,466
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$49,466
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$16,601
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$20,983
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$23,357
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$26,303
Over $110k
$25,894
$32,226
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
72%
Freshman retention
86%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$48,067
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$58,448
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
20%
First-generation students
30%
23%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Oct 18
Regular decision
Feb 1
Mar 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 Randolph-Macon College 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 Randolph-Macon College?
George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,866 at Randolph-Macon College. 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 Randolph-Macon College?
Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Randolph-Macon College about $63,985. 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 Randolph-Macon College?
George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $16,601 at Randolph-Macon College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, George Mason University or Randolph-Macon College?
George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 1,639 at Randolph-Macon College.
Does George Mason University or Randolph-Macon College have a better graduation rate?
Randolph-Macon College has the higher graduation rate, at about 72% against 69% at George Mason University.
Do graduates of George Mason University or Randolph-Macon College earn more?
George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,448 for Randolph-Macon College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do George Mason University and Randolph-Macon College require SAT or ACT scores?
George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Randolph-Macon College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do George Mason University and Randolph-Macon College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 980–1220 at Randolph-Macon College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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