Fairfax, VA
George Mason University is a public institution located in Fairfax, Virginia, situated in a large suburban setting. With an undergraduate enrollment of 27,752 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, it serves as a significant regional university.
George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 87.5%, indicating that the institution admits a substantial majority of applicants. This high acceptance rate suggests relatively modest selectivity in admissions.
| Applied | Admitted | Rate | Enrolled | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 10,485 | 9,131 | 87.1% | 2,316 |
| Women | 12,094 | 10,926 | 90.3% | 2,135 |
George Mason University admits 87.5% of applicants — a typical similar college admits 83%.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
George Mason University's cost of attendance is $34,900, while the average net price is $17,915, meaning students typically pay considerably less after financial aid.
Graduates who borrowed carry a median monthly repayment of about $207.
After aid, George Mason University costs $17,915 a year — about 23% more than a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
George Mason University has a graduation rate of 68.6%. Graduates earn a median of $60,536 six years after entry and $76,343 ten years after entry.
| Major | Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | 972 |
| Information Technology | 416 |
| Psychology, General | 348 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 346 |
| Criminal Justice/Police Science | 328 |
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General | 266 |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 205 |
| Community Health and Preventive Medicine | 157 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General... | 146 |
| Political Science and Government, Other | 143 |
Median earnings eight years after entering George Mason University are $68,053, and 77% of former students earn more than $25,000 six years after entry.
Six years after entry, former George Mason University students earn $60,536 — 31% more than at a typical similar college.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
George Mason University is a public institution located in a large suburb in Fairfax, VA, with an undergraduate enrollment of 27,752 students. The student body includes 30.1% Pell grant recipients and 30.0% first-generation students.
Average head coach salary by program gender.
513 of 21,991 undergraduates, counting each athlete once regardless of how many sports they play.
3,840 of 27,666 undergraduates study entirely at a distance, against 3,367 of 11,861 graduate students.
George Mason University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Each bar is the median of that group, with the number of schools in brackets. “Similar colleges” means the same control and the same predominant degree awarded. Groups of fewer than 15 schools are not shown.
George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA, in what IPEDS classifies as a large suburb setting. The campus sits about 1.5 miles from the center of Fairfax. There are 18 other colleges within 25 miles, and Washington, DC is 16.4 miles away.
Fairfax County scores 12.0 out of 20 on the EPA National Walkability Index — above average walkable. The index is a county-wide average of block groups, so it describes the surrounding area rather than the campus itself.
Undergraduates make up about 5.5% of Fairfax's residents.
Every college that receives federal financial aid must publish its crime statistics each year under the Clery Act. These are the figures George Mason University reported for 2024.
Read these numbers carefully. A Clery figure counts reports, not incidents. A university with active reporting channels, a large campus police force and a teaching hospital will record more offenses than one where the same events go unreported — so a higher count is not evidence of a more dangerous campus, and a low count is not evidence of a safe one. In 2024, 833 campuses with more than 1,000 students reported no offenses at all. Use these figures to ask a college questions, not to rank one against another.
Separately, George Mason University reported 34 arrests and 162 disciplinary referrals for weapons, drug and liquor law violations on campus. Referrals for alcohol violations are usually the largest category at residential colleges and reflect how a school handles student conduct internally.
Common questions about George Mason University admissions, costs, and outcomes.
George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 87.5%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. The university enrolls approximately 27,752 undergraduate students.
The cost of attendance at George Mason University is $34,900 annually. However, the average net price students actually pay is $17,915 after accounting for aid and scholarships.
George Mason serves a diverse student body with 30.1% of students receiving Pell grants. About 30.7% of students borrow federal loans, with a median federal debt of $19,500 at graduation.
George Mason University has a graduation rate of 68.6%. The university maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 to support student success.
Graduates earn a median of $60,536 six years after entry and $76,343 ten years after entry. The three-year federal loan repayment rate is 73.0%, indicating solid career outcomes.
George Mason's student body is 48.8% women. The university also enrolls 30.0% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse populations.
George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia, situated in a large suburban setting. This location provides students with access to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Tuition and fees at George Mason University total $38,688 annually. The average net price after aid is $17,915, representing significant financial support for students.
George Mason University has an undergraduate enrollment of 27,752 students. The institution maintains a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio across its large campus community.
Approximately 30.7% of George Mason students borrow federal loans to finance their education. The median federal debt at graduation is $19,500, with a 73.0% three-year repayment rate.