Public Institution

George Mason University — Fairfax, Virginia

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Annual Tuition $13,815

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 88.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 27,083

Active Students

Avg. Salary $76,343

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Fairfax, Virginia
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"George Mason University stands as a pillar of higher education in Fairfax, providing a robust academic foundation for 27,083 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does George Mason University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at George Mason University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
18.8%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
13%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
8.8%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
8.1%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
7.4%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
6.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at George Mason University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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What is the acceptance rate at George Mason University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 88.8%
Difficulty Low

George Mason University maintains an acceptance rate of 88.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 51%
Women Enrollment 49%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 580 - 670
SAT Mathematics 560 - 670
ACT English 24 - 31
ACT Mathematics 23 - 28
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does George Mason University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $13,815
Out-of-State Tuition $39,397

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 29.5%
Median Student Debt $19,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $13,815, graduates see a median starting salary of $76,343, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Virginia.

What salary can George Mason University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $76,343

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 69.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,287
Median Salary (6yr) $60,536
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at George Mason University in Fairfax?

27,083 Students

Gender Comparison

51% Men
49% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

87.4%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
23.6%
Black
12.3%
White
33%
Unknown
3.2%
Hispanic
17.4%
Two or More Races
5.6%
International
4.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 30%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 58.2%
🎖️
Veterans 0.2%
💍
Married Students 6.7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 66.2%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $95,275
Average Family Income $64,723
Median Family Income $44,254

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

53.3%
46.7%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Fairfax Campus Environment

Located at 4400 University Dr, George Mason University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Virginia. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does George Mason University compare?

Direct Comparison George Mason University vs Fairfax University of America →

Common Questions about George Mason University

Is George Mason University a good college in Fairfax, Virginia?
George Mason University is a recognized institution in Fairfax with an enrollment of 27,083 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in Virginia based on Department of Education data.
Is George Mason University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, George Mason University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $76,343. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does George Mason University cost for Virginia residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at George Mason University is approximately $13,815. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $39,397. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of George Mason University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending George Mason University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 58.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is George Mason University good for Business & Marketing and Computer Science programs?
George Mason University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Computer Science programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending George Mason University?
Graduates of George Mason University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $76,343, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for George Mason University?
George Mason University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does George Mason University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, George Mason University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can George Mason University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of George Mason University earn a median salary of $76,343 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is George Mason University a good investment compared to other VA colleges?
George Mason University stands out as a high-value investment in Virginia. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is George Mason University located and what is the campus like?
George Mason University is located at 4400 University Dr in Fairfax, VA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 27,083 learners.
Who typically attends George Mason University in Fairfax, VA?
The student body at George Mason University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 30% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Virginia

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare George Mason University with other leading institutions in Virginia across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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