George Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA, and University of Virginia-Main Campus is a public university in Charlottesville, VA. University of Virginia-Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 17% 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 $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. About 95% of students graduate at University of Virginia-Main Campus, compared with 69% at George Mason University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Virginia-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $86,863, against $76,343 for George Mason University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,752
17,597
Acceptance rate
87%
17%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$21,565
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$39,926
In-state tuition
$14,220
$21,803
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$59,512
Application fee
$70
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$8,174
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$9,696
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$13,283
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$20,822
Over $110k
$25,894
$35,402
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
95%
Freshman retention
86%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$72,359
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$86,863
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
16%
First-generation students
30%
16%
International students
5%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 5
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 University of Virginia-Main Campus harder to get into?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 17% 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 University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. 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 University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and University of Virginia-Main Campus about $39,926. 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 University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,174 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 University of Virginia-Main Campus?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 17,597 at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
- Does George Mason University or University of Virginia-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 69% at George Mason University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or University of Virginia-Main Campus earn more?
- University of Virginia-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,863 ten years after enrolling, against about $76,343 for George Mason University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and University of Virginia-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Virginia-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and University of Virginia-Main Campus look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1410–1540 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
George Mason University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityGeorge Mason University vs James Madison UniversityGeorge Mason University vs Old Dominion UniversityUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus vs James Madison UniversityUniversity of Virginia-Main Campus vs Old Dominion University
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