George Mason University vs Roanoke College
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA, and Roanoke College is a private college in Salem, VA. Roanoke College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 87% at George Mason University. George Mason University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,915 a year against $24,503 at Roanoke College. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 67% at Roanoke College. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $58,047 for Roanoke College.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fairfax, VA
Salem, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,752
1,767
Acceptance rate
87%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1090–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$24,503
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$54,283
In-state tuition
$14,220
$38,068
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$38,068
Application fee
$70
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$15,204
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$17,410
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$18,638
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$15,902
Over $110k
$25,894
$30,087
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
67%
Freshman retention
86%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$45,330
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$58,047
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
24%
First-generation students
30%
21%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
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 Roanoke College harder to get into?
- Roanoke College is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 87% 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.
- Which is cheaper, George Mason University or Roanoke College?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,503 at Roanoke 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 Roanoke College?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Roanoke College about $54,283. 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 Roanoke College?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $15,204 at Roanoke 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 Roanoke College?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 1,767 at Roanoke College.
- Does George Mason University or Roanoke College have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 67% at Roanoke College.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Roanoke College earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,047 for Roanoke College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Roanoke College require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Roanoke College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Roanoke College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1090–1300 at Roanoke College. 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 UniversityRoanoke College vs Washington and Lee UniversityRoanoke College vs University of RichmondRoanoke College vs University of Virginia's College at Wise
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