Academic Comparison between UMass Amherst and GMU

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

  • 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 (1,420) than GMU (1,270).
  • UMass Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (32) 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

University of Massachusetts-Amherstvs.George Mason University
Amherst, MassachusettsLocationFairfax, Virginia
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$17,772
Out-Of-State$40,449
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,220
Out-Of-State$38,688
73%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$13,764Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,628
59.73 %Acceptance Rates87.48 %
17.95 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.22 %
1,420SAT Score1,270
32ACT Score28
83 %Graduation Rate68 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
92 %Retention Rate86 %
31,726Student Population39,766
1,458Number of Faculties1,463
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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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