George Mason University vs Virginia Commonwealth University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA, and Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university in Richmond, VA. George Mason University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 93% at Virginia Commonwealth University. George Mason University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,915 a year against $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Richmond, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
20,753
Acceptance rate
87%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1010–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
22–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$23,433
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$38,954
In-state tuition
$14,220
$16,945
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$40,109
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$17,512
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$17,777
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$20,925
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$24,691
Over $110k
$25,894
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
64%
Freshman retention
86%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$47,161
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$58,128
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
31%
First-generation students
30%
28%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 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 Virginia Commonwealth University harder to get into?
- George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 93% at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,433 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Virginia Commonwealth University about $38,954. 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $17,512 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 20,753 at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Does George Mason University or Virginia Commonwealth University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 64% at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Virginia Commonwealth University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,128 for Virginia Commonwealth University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Commonwealth University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1010–1270 at Virginia Commonwealth 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 UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia Commonwealth University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVirginia Commonwealth University vs James Madison University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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