Academic Comparison between GWU and GMU

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

  • GWU is a private (not-for-profit) and GMU is a public 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 (1,430) than GMU (1,270).
  • GWU has higher submitted ACT score (32) 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
GWU GMU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Washington Universityvs.George Mason University
Washington, District of ColumbiaLocationFairfax, Virginia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$67,7102025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,220
Out-Of-State$38,688
67%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$37,813Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,628
47.09 %Acceptance Rates87.48 %
19.33 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.22 %
1,430SAT Score1,270
32ACT Score28
84 %Graduation Rate68 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
92 %Retention Rate86 %
25,374Student Population39,766
1,272Number of Faculties1,463
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
More Rivals