Western New England University vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Western New England University in Springfield, MA 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 Western New England University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 3,674 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western New England University is located in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western New England University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western New England University 12:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Western New England University vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western New England 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 Western New England University ($18,823 vs. $27,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New England University are 1% lower than at George Mason University ($15,570 vs. $15,725).
• Western New England University is 236.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $33,600 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.6% higher at Western New England University than at George Mason University (about $9,132 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western New England University than at George Mason University (97% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New England University students is 157.3% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($33,067 vs. $12,852).

Western New England University vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western New England 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 Western New England University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 60 points higher than at Western New England University (1200).
• Incoming Mason students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Western New England University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western New England University 1090/1300; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western New England University 21/28; George Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western New England University - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Western New England University (3.49).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Western New England University (83.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Western New England University vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Western New England University vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western New England 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 Western New England University's (61%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Western New England University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $59,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Western New England University graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western New England University graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Western New England University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mason students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.