UofSC vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Columbia in Columbia, SC 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 UofSC based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 38,532 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Columbia is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1; George Mason University 16:1.

UofSC vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UofSC 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 UofSC ($18,823 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Columbia are 13.9% lower than at George Mason University ($13,534 vs. $15,725).
• George Mason University is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than UofSC (about $1,532 more per year; $14,220.00 vs. $12,688.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.6% higher at Mason than at University of South Carolina Columbia (about $2,716 more per year; $38,688.00 vs. $35,972.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Columbia than at George Mason University (91% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Mason University students is 80% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($12,852 vs. $7,139).

UofSC vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UofSC 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 UofSC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 10 points higher than at Mason (1260).
• Incoming UofSC 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: University of South Carolina Columbia 1180/1360; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UofSC - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UofSC students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Mason (3.68).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.9% at UofSC vs. 20.2% at Mason.

UofSC vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UofSC 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).

• University of South Carolina Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than George Mason University's (64%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than UofSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $51,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than UofSC graduates ($19,750 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UofSC graduates ($204 vs. $240).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UofSC students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.