VCU vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA 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 VCU based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 28,464 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1; George Mason University 16:1.

VCU vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VCU 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 VCU ($18,823 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Mason University are 13.9% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($15,725 vs. $18,254).
• Virginia Commonwealth University is 19.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $2,725 more per year; $16,945.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at VCU than at George Mason University (about $1,421 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Commonwealth University than at George Mason University (88% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students is 10.4% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($14,186 vs. $12,852).

VCU vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VCU or Mason? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mason and VCU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 120 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Mason students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VCU - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027; Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman VCU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Mason (3.68).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Mason (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at VCU vs. 20.2% at Mason.

VCU vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VCU and Mason? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than VCU graduates ($19,750 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VCU graduates ($204 vs. $240).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 56%)

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.