About George Mason University

Founded in 1972, George Mason University. is a Public college. Located in Virginia, which is a city setting in Virginia, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 23,817 full time undergraduate students, and 11,092 full time graduate students.

The George Mason University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 16:1. There are 1275 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at George Mason University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate80%
Application Deadline
Application Fee70
SAT Range1060-1250
ACT Range24-29

Admissions at GMU are considered Less Selective, with ,176% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 21 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

94% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 58% were in the top quarter, and 58% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at George Mason University.

4%
“We”re apathetic”
20%
“We know about current events and vote”
58%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
18%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
22%
“Sometimes, but not often”
53%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
56%
“I feel extremely safe”
6%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
38%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
60%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
17%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
57%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
31%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
57%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
32%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
46%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
14%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
20%
“We know about current events and vote”
58%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
18%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
22%
“Sometimes, but not often”
53%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
56%
“I feel extremely safe”
6%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
38%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
18%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
60%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
17%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
57%
“They keep regular office hours”
30%
“They”re always available”
6%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
31%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
57%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
6%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
32%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
46%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
14%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
24%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
2%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    430 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    339 Students rated off-campus housing 3.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    500 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    515 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    515 Students rated class size 4 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    515 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 34 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    512 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    514 Students rated academics 4 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

George Mason University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of George Mason University?

248 Students rated George Mason University

Yijia - 08/28/2024

Mason is a good school overall; however, since most portion of the population is off campus, the school spirit is significantly lower than other schools requiring campus living. The campus is lovely, but making friends can be pretty challenging. Most of the professors are nice, but some will assign extra tasks. Overall, this school is great for a great price, and learning more about it would be more interesting.

Nhat Quang - 05/14/2024

I really enjoy my time at George Mason and love how ahead they are of in terms of academics for my major. Even when selecting the major on this website it doesn't pop up. Majoring in Cybersecurity engineering at George Mason has shown me how great their curriculum is and the amazing professors that I have here.

Sajidah - 04/21/2024

I believe it is a great school!George Mason University: A Nexus of Learning and Diversity Nestled within the verdant embrace of Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University (GMU) stands as a beacon of intellectual pursuit. Here, the corridors echo with the footsteps of dreamers, and the walls bear witness to countless epiphanies. Allow me to weave a more solemn review—a tapestry of GMU’s essence: Academic Foundations: GMU’s halls resonate with the whispers of scholars past and present. Professors, akin to sages, impart wisdom—each lecture a brushstroke on the canvas of enlightenment. Whether unraveling constitutional intricacies or dissecting economic paradigms, GMU’s academic loom weaves threads of knowledge. Laboratories of Inquiry: In the heart of GMU, laboratories hum—a symphony of microscopes, test tubes, and hypotheses. Here, budding scientists chase elusive truths. Research papers unfurl like ancient scrolls, revealing secrets of the universe. GMU’s commitment to inquiry is etched in every equation solved and every data point plotted. A Tapestry of Diversity: GMU’s campus mirrors the world—a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and perspectives. Flags flutter, representing homelands and aspirations. In this mosaic, friendships transcend borders. The scent of curry mingles with the aroma of coffee, and conversations bridge continents. Urban Threads: GMU’s location—strategically poised near the nation’s capital—imbues it with purpose. Students march to internships, their résumés woven with experiences from Capitol Hill to think tanks. The city’s pulse reverberates through GMU’s veins, reminding all that learning extends beyond textbooks.

Meagan - 03/10/2024

GMU was a great school! I went there for my bachelor's in communication and for my master's in education. Both programs were great and I had wonderful professors. It's a little dead on the weekends because many students are commuters, but lively during the week!

George Mason University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at George Mason University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for George Mason University is 80%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    College made "real life" more visible. Therefore, I learned what the true value of friend and that my family will be there for me when no one else can. I gained respect for my peers who barely showed struggle and were taking on far harder courses. College has once again, taught me that how to make a friend. Obviously, it has increased my intellectual ability, more than I thought possible in a year. It became apparent that I can still relate to literature even though it was written 100+ years ago. It has taught me that I am soley responsible for myself. Life in college is nice, because I am able to focus on school, friends, and myself. I can better myself, so one day I will better the world.

    Read all 478 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Relaxed

    Read all 210 answers

  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best thing about George Mason is the size of the campus. It is the largest public university on the state of Virginia. However, the one thing I will change is the strictness about parties on campus. When you look at the so called top tier universities on the U.S.A, most them are ranked on some magazines as the "top college parties." Therefore, to be able to gain more admissions we should take this into account. On the other hand, Mason is only a college town for the basketball team. There are a lot of hardworking student-athletes that do not get recognized by the fans,because men's basketball overpowers any other athletic competition.

    Read all 136 answers

  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    The great majority of my professors are knowledgeable in their subject area, and they do their best to help us suceed. The students are competitive because classes are challenging, and you need to spend time doing homework and preparing for the exams. Class participation is common in most classes because it helps students to better understand the material. My major is Accounting, which is a part of the School of Management. The curriculum before you declare a major is rigorous, but the classes help you build a foundation that will help you advance in your major. The education this school provides equips you with knowledge, which in turn helps you get a job.

    Read all 134 answers

  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It offers both a BFA in Game Design and a BS in Applied Comupter Science with a concentration in Game Design. It is close enough to my home that I don't have to reside on campus, but it is far enough away from home that staying on campus makes sense. I liked that the campus is compact with instructional buildings in the center of campus and housing was on the perimeter of campus. A car is not needed. There are shuttles to connect you to local shopping centers and regional transit system.

    Read all 125 answers

  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    There are more that 400 student organizations a student can join. They are subdivided on different categories such as sports, academic clubs, sororities and fraternities, business related clubs and organizations, and cultural groups. When I was a freshman, I was involved with the Chess Club and the Investment Club. Both of them were fun and engaging. Chess Club helped me improve my game, and I met a lot of interesting people in the process. Investment Club helped me learn more about investing and company analysis. George Mason University hosts various events that span from sports games that are very popular to theater performances and interesting educational lectures from the school professors about their own research.

    Read all 124 answers

  8. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    They all got rejected form madison, tech and uva.

    Read all 120 answers

  9. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    I found that I do run into a lot of kids I knew from high school. So yes, I think that statement was a pretty accurate, but I do not see them every day so it is not that typical high school interaction that he was referencing.

    Read all 118 answers

  10. What's unique about your campus?

    I love that this school is very innovative, diverse, and near the city. It gives us the opportunity to find activities to do off campus being near Washington Dc itself. The work is tough but it only motivates you to do the best you can.

    Read all 108 answers

  11. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing I would consider about this school is the cost for out-of-state students, there is little aid for them.

    Read all 105 answers

  12. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    culturally diverse, not enough pride in the college

    Read all 93 answers

  13. What kind of person should attend this school?

    This school, is probably perfect for almost any type of person, because we have the most diverse background out of any college in the Nation. There are so many different clubs and extracuricular activities at Mason, that it is almost impossible not to find something you like. The student body is also extremely friendly, so making friends here is not a problem at all.

    Read all 78 answers

  14. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have known the amount of work that really goes into doing well and exceeding academically.

    Read all 74 answers

  15. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    George Mason University is currently best known for receiving the title of #1 Up and Coming Universities as voted on by peer colleges and U.S. Weekly. The school is going to every effort to make every aspect of the college experience the ultimate best for every student. There are brand new housing units, dining halls and gym facilities as well as a growing accredited amount of professors. The area in which George Mason University is located also has access to some of the best jobs in the country, located right outside of Washington, DC.

    Read all 71 answers

  16. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    This school is perfect for someone looking for a big campus with lots of diversity. This school is also perfect for the person that wants to be close to a big city, Washington DC, but does want to get caught up in the big city mentality.

    Read all 64 answers

  17. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag about my favorite professor Dr. BItler and her class.

    Read all 58 answers

  18. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    So far, the most frustrating thing is that I must connect to the University of Maryland to run code for the computer class I am currently taking. I have to wait several hours before I know the results. This delay impacts my ability to make corrections and ensure the best grade possible for my work.

    Read all 54 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The biggest stereotype at George Mason University is that everyone is a commuter and that we are a commuter school This is not true anymore! We are listed as a primary residential school and we have grown significantly since my freshman year. There is new housing going up every year and the school is also renovating the older housing to improve the on campus housing experience for students.

    Read all 28 answers

  20. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    I chose to attend George Mason University for several reasons. This school offers a wide range of student organizations and majors. In particular, it has several honor societies for students to join, such as National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and Golden Key Honor Society. Also, this school offers free opportunities for students to attend professional opera, dance, and theatre performances at the Center for the Arts. I enjoy going to these events, because there's always something great to watch. Another reason I chose George Mason was its rising reputation in US News rankings. The school recently ranked as a National University and a Up and Coming school. In addition, I chose this school for its great cable lineup and non party school reputation. I like the cable lineup in the dorms a lot, because there's enough channels enjoy. The cable has improved to the point where now HD and digital channels are added. George Mason's non party school reputation allows me to deal with less nonsense and attend a school with a good reputation.

    Read all 11 answers

  21. Describe the dorms.

    Having lived in the dorms, I believe they could be much better for the price. The Commons are the worst of all, but they are getting renovated. In fact, when school gets back on in two weeks, all of the people who formerly lived in the old Commons buildings will be moving into brand new ones! It's pretty exciting.

    Read all 7 answers

Student Body

Students

51%

female

49%

male

23,817

Total Undergrad Enrollment

11,092

Total Grad Students

17%

Out-Of-State

79%

In-State

4%

International

Organizations

255

Student Organizations

21

Fraternities

15

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

19%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
19%
% Black or African-American
11%
% Hispanic/Latino
14%
% White or Caucasian
43%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

73% of students attending George Mason University receive some sort of financial aid. 28% were awarded federal grants. While 52% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$32,582

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$11,678

Room and Board

45,460

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$15,089
$30 - $48K
$15,800
$48 - $75K
$18,989
$75 - $110K
$21,584
$110K & UP
$23,680

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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