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George Mason University

Fairfax, VA·Public·27,083 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $63,900 within 10 years.

89%
Accept
27,083
Students
$18,287
Net Price
69%
Grad Rate
$63,900
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

George Mason University is a public institution located in Fairfax, Virginia with approximately 27,083 undergraduate students enrolled. George Mason University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 89%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,287 per year. The graduation rate is 69%, and the typical graduate earns $63,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., the university is named in honor of George Mason, a Founding Father of the United States.

Located just outside Washington, D.C., this large public university offers real value — at $18,287/year average net cost and a median debt of only $15,750 at graduation, students aren't taking on excessive risk, and the $63,900 median earnings at 10 years reflect solid returns bolstered by proximity to federal agencies and tech employers in Northern Virginia. The main concern worth watching is the 69% graduation rate, which means roughly 3 in 10 students don't finish — worth asking admissions about support structures, especially for your intended major. Worth considering if you're drawn to policy, tech, or business and want an affordable path with genuine career geography on your side.

Founded
1957
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing19%
Computer Science13%
Health Professions8%
Social Sciences7%
Psychology6%
Biological Sciences6%
Engineering5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Anousheh AnsariKarl RoveNajla MangoushZainab SalbiAbdi BileAbdiweli Mohamed AliArchie KaoDavid VerburgTyler CowenAndrew R. WheelerKate ZieglerHala Gorani

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1247
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite28

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$13,815
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,397
Avg Net Price
$18,287
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
69%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
87%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$63,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$63,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White33%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian24%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (27,083 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

George Mason University

4400 University Dr

Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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