Rider University vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ with George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rider University is located in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rider University 14:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Rider University vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rider University or Mason? 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 George Mason University than Rider University ($18,823 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 8.7% lower than at Rider University ($15,725 vs. $17,230).
• Rider University is 189.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $26,900 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at Rider University than at George Mason University (about $2,432 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 127.9% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($29,294 vs. $12,852).

Rider University vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rider University or Mason? 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 Mason and Rider University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Rider University (1210).
• Incoming Rider University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Mason).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 1100/1320; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rider University 27/31; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rider University - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Rider University (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Rider University vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Rider University vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rider University and Mason? 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).

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Rider University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $53,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($204 vs. $266).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rider University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.