Academic Comparison between GMU and Sweet Briar

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

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 Sweet Briar is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • GMU has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,688) than Sweet Briar ($26,160).
  • It is harder to admit to Sweet Briar than GMU.
  • GMU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,270) than Sweet Briar (1,230).
  • GMU has more students with 39,766 students while Sweet Briar has 444 students.
  • Sweet Briar has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while GMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GMU has more full-time faculties with 1,463 faculties while Sweet Briar has 49 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.Sweet Briar College
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationSweet Briar, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster'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$26,160
60%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$11,628Average Amount of Financial Aid$21,233
87.48 %Acceptance Rates75.54 %
20.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.25 %
1,270SAT Score1,230
28ACT Score-
68 %Graduation Rate52 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate31 %
86 %Retention Rate69 %
39,766Student Population444
1,463Number of Faculties49
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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