Academic Comparison between GMU and SVU

George Mason University and Southern Virginia University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. GMU is a four-year, public school located in Fairfax, VA and SVU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Buena Vista, VA.

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.Southern Virginia University
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationBuena Vista, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$14,220
Out-Of-State$38,688
2025 Tuition & Fees$21,030
60%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$11,628Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,839
87.48 %Acceptance Rates96.42 %
20.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.44 %
1,270SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
68 %Graduation Rate33 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate24 %
86 %Retention Rate74 %
39,766Student Population936
1,463Number of Faculties53
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesStudy Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services