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Colleges / VA / Fairfax
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George Mason University

Public Fairfax, VA · Suburban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
69%
Graduation Rate
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$17,915
Net Price
87%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 27,000 students, George Mason University is a solid choice for those looking for a diverse and accessible educational environment. The school has an acceptance rate of 87%, making it a fitting option for students who want to further their education without the pressure of highly competitive admissions. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations.

Looking at life after graduation, the average earnings for alumni 10 years out is $76,343. That’s a good benchmark for understanding potential financial outcomes. While the graduation rate sits at 69%, many graduates find themselves on solid career paths, especially in fields like health and technology. Affordability plays a role here too, with a net price of about $17,915 after aid, which can help keep student debt manageable.

When it comes to financial responsibility, students at George Mason typically graduate with a median debt of $19,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This balance of cost and potential earnings suggests that those who thrive here are often motivated, career-oriented individuals focused on practical degrees. With its supportive community and strong academic programs, George Mason University positions students well for a successful future.

Rankings

How George Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation69%Earnings 10yr$76KNet Price$18KRetention86%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate30%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$12K$30-48K$15K$48-75K$26K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%614.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%5028.1%MOBILITY309.01%

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$38,688
Out-of-State
$17,915
Avg Net Price
$19,500
Median Debt
30%
Pell Grant Rate
31%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,942
Family Income $0–$30K
$12,093
Family Income $30K–$48K
$15,224
Family Income $48K–$75K
$25,894
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$60,536
6 Years After Entry
$68,053
8 Years
$76,343
10 Years
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
77%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$60,536 6yr $68,053 8yr $76,343 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

309.01%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
5028.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$107,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.75
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.269%
Inventor Rate
23
Total Patents
26
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 87%
Retention Rate 86%
SAT Average 1274
ACT Midpoint 28
SAT Range 1160–1360
ACT Range 25–30
Full-Time Faculty 53%
Faculty Salary (mo) $14,486
Diversity Index 0.79
First-Gen Students 30%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 20%
Computer Science & IT 13%
Criminal Justice 8%
Health Professions 8%
Social Sciences 7%
Humanities 6%
Psychology 6%
Biology & Biomedical 6%