Academic Comparison between GMU and UMass Amherst

George Mason University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. GMU is located in Fairfax, VA and UMass Amherst is located in Amherst, MA.

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UMass Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,449) than GMU ($38,688).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass Amherst than GMU.
  • UMass Amherst has a higher submitted SAT score (1,270) than GMU (1,270).
  • UMass Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (28) than GMU (28).
  • GMU has more students with 39,766 students while UMass Amherst has 31,726 students.
  • GMU has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UMass Amherst's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • GMU has more full-time faculties with 1,463 faculties while UMass Amherst has 1,458 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
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
In-State$17,772
Out-Of-State$40,449
60%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$11,628Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,764
87.48 %Acceptance Rates59.73 %
20.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.95 %
1,270SAT Score1,420
28ACT Score32
68 %Graduation Rate83 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate92 %
39,766Student Population31,726
1,463Number of Faculties1,458
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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