Academic Comparison between GMU and GWU

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

Comparison at a Glance

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

  • GMU is a public and GWU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • GWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($67,710) than GMU ($38,688).
  • It is harder to admit to GWU than GMU.
  • GWU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,270) than GMU (1,270).
  • GWU has higher submitted ACT score (28) than GMU (28).
  • GMU has more students with 39,766 students while GWU has 25,374 students.
  • GWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while GMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GMU has more full-time faculties with 1,463 faculties while GWU has 1,272 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.George Washington University
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationWashington, District of Columbia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$14,220
Out-Of-State$38,688
2025 Tuition & Fees$67,710
60%% Receiving Financial Aid67%
$11,628Average Amount of Financial Aid$37,813
87.48 %Acceptance Rates47.09 %
20.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.33 %
1,270SAT Score1,430
28ACT Score32
68 %Graduation Rate84 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate92 %
39,766Student Population25,374
1,463Number of Faculties1,272
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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