Academic Comparison between GMU and W&L

George Mason University and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. GMU is a four-year, public school located in Fairfax, VA and W&L is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lexington, 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 W&L is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • W&L has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,045) than GMU ($38,688).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than GMU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,270) than GMU (1,270).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (28) than GMU (28).
  • GMU has more students with 39,766 students while W&L has 2,241 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while GMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GMU has more full-time faculties with 1,463 faculties while W&L has 268 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationLexington, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor'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$68,045
60%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$11,628Average Amount of Financial Aid$58,158
87.48 %Acceptance Rates13.97 %
20.22 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)41.15 %
1,270SAT Score1,480
28ACT Score34
68 %Graduation Rate94 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate97 %
39,766Student Population2,241
1,463Number of Faculties268
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, 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