George Mason University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University admits about 55% of applicants and George Mason University about 87%, making Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,915 a year at George Mason University after aid, and about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. About 86% of students graduate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, compared with 69% at George Mason University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $76,343 for George Mason University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,752
30,923
Acceptance rate
87%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
1280–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$24,953
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$36,951
In-state tuition
$14,220
$15,948
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$37,764
Application fee
$70
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$11,689
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$11,670
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$17,894
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$25,835
Over $110k
$25,894
$34,201
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
86%
Freshman retention
86%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$67,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
15%
First-generation students
30%
18%
International students
5%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 15
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 Polytechnic Institute and State University harder to get into?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- George Mason University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,915 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,953 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Before aid, George Mason University costs about $28,604 a year and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University about $36,951. 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,689 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,923 undergraduates against 27,752 at George Mason University.
- Does George Mason University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a better graduation rate?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 69% at George Mason University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn more?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,698 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- George Mason University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do George Mason University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
George Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusGeorge Mason University vs James Madison UniversityGeorge Mason University vs Old Dominion UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs James Madison UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs Old Dominion University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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