Mason vs. UVA

Comparable Facts

Compare George Mason University in Fairfax, VA with University of Virginia Main Campus in Charlottesville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than UVA based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 26,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Mason University is located in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting); University of Virginia Main Campus is in Charlottesville, VA (Small City setting).
• George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Virginia Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Mason University 16:1; University of Virginia Main Campus 15:1.

Mason vs. UVA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mason or UVA? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Virginia Main Campus than Mason ($18,427 vs. $18,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Virginia Main Campus are 5.9% lower than at George Mason University ($14,800 vs. $15,725).
• University of Virginia Main Campus is 53.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $7,583 more per year; $21,803.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.8% higher at UVA than at George Mason University (about $20,824 more per year; $59,512.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at George Mason University than at University of Virginia Main Campus (71% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Virginia Main Campus students is 123.4% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($28,715 vs. $12,852).

Mason vs. UVA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mason or UVA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UVA and Mason.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Virginia Main Campus (1480) is 220 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming UVA students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 1160/1360; University of Virginia Main Campus 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Mason University 25/30; University of Virginia Main Campus 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mason - Test optional; UVA - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UVA students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.85) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than UVA (16.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.2% at Mason vs. 40% at UVA.

Mason vs. UVA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mason and UVA? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Virginia Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from University of Virginia Main Campus earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than Mason graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Virginia Main Campus graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Mason graduates ($19,500 vs. $19,750).
• Among borrowers, UVA graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mason graduates ($201 vs. $204).
• More UVA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 73%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.