George Mason University vs Virginia State University
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, VA. Virginia State University is a public university in Petersburg, VA. George Mason University admits about 87% of applicants and Virginia State University about 89%, making George Mason University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,840 a year at Virginia State University after aid, and about $17,915 at George Mason University. About 69% of students graduate at George Mason University, compared with 40% at Virginia State University. Ten years after enrolling, George Mason University alumni earn a median of about $76,343, against $45,543 for Virginia State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fairfax, VA
Petersburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,752
5,074
Acceptance rate
87%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.37–3.87
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1360
840–1070
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
14–20
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,915
$15,840
Full cost / yr
$28,604
$27,661
In-state tuition
$14,220
$10,043
Out-of-state tuition
$38,688
$22,650
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,942
$13,220
$30k - $48k
$12,093
$14,758
$48k - $75k
$15,224
$19,463
$75k - $110k
$19,430
$22,223
Over $110k
$25,894
$25,508
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
40%
Freshman retention
86%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,536
$33,630
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,343
$45,543
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$26,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
72%
First-generation students
30%
34%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling
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 State University harder to get into?
- George Mason University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 89% at Virginia State 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 State University?
- Virginia State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,840 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,915 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at George Mason University and Virginia State University?
- Before aid, Virginia State University costs about $27,661 a year and George Mason University about $28,604. 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 State University?
- George Mason University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,942 there, against about $13,220 at Virginia State 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 State University?
- George Mason University is the larger of the two, with about 27,752 undergraduates against 5,074 at Virginia State University.
- Does George Mason University or Virginia State University have a better graduation rate?
- George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 40% at Virginia State University.
- Do graduates of George Mason University or Virginia State University earn more?
- George Mason University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,543 for Virginia State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do George Mason University and Virginia 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 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 State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1360 at George Mason University and 840–1070 at Virginia 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityGeorge Mason University vs James Madison UniversityVirginia State University vs William & MaryVirginia State University vs Norfolk State UniversityVirginia State University vs Radford University
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