Overview of George Mason University

George Mason University is a public research university situated in Fairfax, Virginia. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. A healthy student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 37,316 (26,192 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 50 percent male/50 percent female
• 81 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $12,564 (in-state); $36,024 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,278
• Room and Board: $11,705
• Other Expenses: $3,378
• Total Cost: $28,925 (in-state); $52,385 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 76 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 62 percent
  • Loans: 53 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,175
  • Loans: $6,873

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Psychology, General; Criminal Justice/Police Science; Information Technology; Accounting; and Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 87 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 16%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 47 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 70 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Crew-Rowing, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Overview of George Mason University Admissions

George Mason University accepts over three-quarters of applicants and has a moderately selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application, and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside the admission offices’ mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data                       

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, George Mason University had an acceptance rate of 81%. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside the admission offices’ mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 9% of admitted students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of GMU’s admitted students fall within the top 26% on the ACT exam. The median 50% of admitted students received a cumulative ACT score between 24 and 30, 25% scored above 30, and 25% scored below 24.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA for George Mason freshman was 3.66. Over 90% of admitted students had mean GPAs between 3.25 and 4.0. Successful applicants have B/B+ grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for George Mason University, it should be easy for you to gain admission to the schools below. If George Mason University is currently out of your reach, you will be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of Alabama, Pace University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Florida Gulf Coast University

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for George Mason University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admission to these schools.

Hofstra University, Auburn University, Temple University, Seton Hall University, Howard University, University of Houston, San Diego State University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will Be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than George Mason University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

Stony Brook University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Connecticut, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Syracuse University, University of Cincinnati

Applying to George Mason University

Application Deadline: January 15

Undergraduate Admissions Website: https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/freshman

Undergraduate Application Link(s): https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now

Graduate Admissions Website: https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/how-apply/graduate

Graduate Application Link(s): https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now