GMU Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 87.48%. Not very selective
- SAT Average: 1270. Above average SAT scores, indicating competitive applicants.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $14,220
- Out-of-State Tuition: $38,688
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at GMU:
- Total Enrollment: 39,766, including 7,435 online students
- 28,334 Undergraduate, 11,432 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 48.7% men, 51.3% women.
- This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 68%. Moderate graduation rate, typical for many institutions.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 17%. Some students transfer out, which is common in higher education.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 86%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 302 academic programs available.
- Online Programs: 61 programs available fully online.
- Graduate Programs: 131 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Law School, Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.
GMU Overview
George Mason University (GMU) is a four-year, public school located in Fairfax, VA. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.
The GMU's tuition & fees is $14,220 for Virginia residents and $38,688 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 60% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $11,628.
The school has a total enrollment of 39,766 and the students to faculty ratio is 16 to 1 (6.25%).
GMU's acceptance rate is 87.48% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 20.22%. The median SAT score is 1270 and the ACT score is 28.
GMU ranked 145th in National Universities and 11st in Virginia Colleges rankings. George Mason University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of George Mason University is $14,220 for in-state students and $38,688 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $17,964 for in-state students and $40,308 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $14,637 for Virginia residents and $39,410 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $18,497 for Virginia residents and $41,240 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $14,220 | $38,688 |
|---|
| Graduate | $17,964 | $40,308 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $14,637 | $39,410 |
|---|
| Graduate | $18,497 | $41,240 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
George Mason University offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at GMU
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army, Air Force |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | Yes |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
George Mason University Directory Information
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