Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia, approximately 15 miles west of Washington, D.C., in the heart of Northern Virginia's technology corridor. The main campus spans 677 acres of suburban landscape, featuring modern academic buildings and extensive green spaces. Established in 1957 as a branch of the University of Virginia before becoming independent in 1972, Mason has grown into Virginia's largest public research university. The university is recognized for its programs in economics, law, creative writing, and public policy, with the School of Public Policy being particularly well-connected to federal agencies and policy organizations in the capital region. Students can choose between on-campus housing in traditional residence halls or apartment-style living arrangements, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Patriots, participating in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Mason is rated within the top 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for George Mason University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#239 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#58 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Colleges in Virginia
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Virginia
#360 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Value Colleges in Virginia
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1140/1340 |
| ACT | 25/30 |
| GPA | 3.68 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Virginia Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,278 |
| Other Fees | $3,720 |
| Room and Board | $15,151 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,504 |
| Total One Year Cost | $33,748 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,278 |
| Other Fees | $3,720 |
| Room and Board | $15,151 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,504 |
| Total One Year Cost | $59,330 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 16% |
| English and Literature | 10% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Mason are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=232186 IPEDS survey data for George Mason University.
Current students may use the George Mason University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025