George Mason University

George Mason University is a public institution located in Fairfax, Virginia. The university is very close to Washington, D.C. This provides many opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships and research positions while completing their degree. In fact, 90% of all graduates end up working in Washington, D.C. or bordering Virginia or Maryland companies.

The school has an acceptance rate of 89.2% Students have a 3.65 GPA on average. Additionally, the average SAT score is 1215 and the average ACT score is 27. The student population is 59.6% minority students and 50% women. 8.5% are international students. Students represent more than 130 countries across the globe. All students are encouraged to complete a study abroad experience while enrolled. The school has programs in Africa, South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to complete an internship prior to graduation.

The university also has over 350 student organizations to explore and a lively campus atmosphere with ample school spirit. 69.9% of students graduate from George Mason University within four years. Additionally, the retention rates are quite high. 87% of first year students come back for their second year and 81% of international students return to the school after their first year.

George Mason University is a large school with an undergraduate population of 27,105 and a graduate population of 10,812. In-state tuition is $13,014 and out-of-state tuition is $37,410. There are many scholarship opportunities available as well as work-study options, loans, grants, and other financial aid options. The school is also known to be one of the most military-friendly universities according to GIJobs.com and there are resources to help active-duty and veteran students pay for their degree. The school has been noted as one of the most affordable and best value universities.

George Mason offers undergraduate certificates including many in secondary education and one in accounting, graphic design, computer science, and more. The most popular majors for 2020 graduates were business, computer and information sciences and support services, the social sciences, and health professions.

At the graduate level, there are 132 programs offered and over 100 graduate certificates. Additionally, the school is willing to create specialized certifications when they are requested by companies or organizations in the area.

George Mason has a 17 to 1 student faculty ratio. 33.5% of courses have fewer than 20 students. There is also an Honors College within the university for those who desire even closer faculty interaction, individualized academic advising, and more.

Graduates from George Mason earn a median starting salary of $56,500. The university is at the top of Virginia schools for the highest starting salary of graduates according to the Virginia State Council of Higher Education. For those who attend graduate school, the most common universities attended are American University, the College of William and Mary, George Washington University, Georgetown University, or George Mason University once again.