George Mason University
A large public research university 20 miles from Washington, D.C., that has been score-optional since 2007.
- Acceptance rate
- 87%
- Fall 2025 entering first-year class (Common Data Set 2025-26)
- Students
- 39,638
- 28,364 undergraduates
- International
- 9%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 17:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- $39,803
- 2026-27
About George Mason
George Mason University was founded in 1949 as a northern branch of the University of Virginia and became an independent university in 1972. It describes itself as the largest public research university in Virginia, with about 39,600 students on its US campuses, and it is classified R1 for very high research activity. The main Fairfax Campus covers 677 acres, roughly 20 miles from downtown Washington, D.C., and the university also has campuses in Arlington and Prince William County and a branch campus in Songdo, South Korea.
Undergraduates enter through ten colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering and Computing, the College of Science, the Donald G. Costello College of Business, the Schar School of Policy and Government, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Honors College. George Mason says it was the first university in the world to offer graduate degrees in conflict resolution, and two of its professors have won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
Admissions are broad rather than exclusive: in fall 2025, George Mason admitted about 86.5 percent of first-year applicants, and it has been score-optional since 2007. Some majors, such as computer science, engineering and nursing, have additional requirements for direct entry. It suits students who want a large, diverse, career-focused university close to Washington's employers and internships, and who want a diverse campus where about 22 percent of students come from out of state.
Why students choose George Mason
The university is 20 miles from Washington, D.C., and its Arlington campus, Mason Square, sits in the region's innovation district.
Score Optional consideration lets applicants be reviewed without SAT or ACT results, a policy George Mason has run since 2007.
The College of Engineering and Computing offers direct admission to computer science and engineering majors for students who meet its mathematics requirements.
Merit scholarships for international freshmen are renewable for up to four years, and every admitted international applicant is considered automatically.
Admissions
Fall 2025 entering first-year class (Common Data Set 2025-26)
22,495 admitted from 26,014 applicants
Middle 50% of admitted students scored in this range.
Middle 50% of admitted students scored in this range.
Applicants and admits are the sum of the men and women lines in Common Data Set section C1 (11,997 + 14,017 applied; 10,166 + 12,329 admitted). Some majors have selective direct-entry requirements, including computer science, engineering and nursing.
Deadlines
- Early Action Non-binding Next deadline · In 26 daysNovember 1, 2026
Non-binding. Gives priority consideration for the Honors College, University Scholars and merit-based scholarships; the Common Data Set lists a December 16 notification.
- Regular Decision Non-binding In ~4 monthsFebruary 1, 2027
Honors College is considered on a space-available basis. FAFSA/VASA priority deadline for state and institutional grants is March 1.
George Mason's dates and deadlines page lists these deadlines without a year; they are shown here for 2027 entry. International freshmen applying for the spring semester have an October 1 priority deadline, and the final fall deadline for international freshmen is June 1.
How to apply
Apply with the Common App or George Mason's own application (reviewed equally), plus a $75 application fee. Send official transcripts, two suggested recommendations (a counselor and a teacher), an optional but encouraged personal statement of about 250 words, and SAT or ACT scores if you choose to submit them. International applicants also need English proficiency proof and certified translations.
What admissions looks for
- Cumulative high school GPA and the level of difficulty of courses, particularly core academic courses.
- SAT or ACT scores if submitted; Score Optional applicants are not penalised.
- A counselor recommendation and a teacher recommendation, plus an optional personal statement.
- Extracurricular activities and community service, listed in the application or on an activity sheet or resume.
Tips for applying to George Mason
- 1 Apply by November 1 if you want priority for the Honors College, University Scholars or merit scholarships.
- 2 Computer science and engineering applicants should check the selective-major rule: four years of maths including a course above Algebra II, plus a Math SAT of 550, a Math ACT of 24, or grades of B or higher in maths through Algebra II.
- 3 Nursing needs a second review, and qualified applicants who are admitted to the university but not to nursing are placed as undeclared majors.
- 4 International students should plan proof of English proficiency and a certified translation of non-English transcripts.
What are your chances?
Sign up to see your personalized admission chances for George Mason University
Sign up to see your chancesCosts & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in USD
Non-citizens and non-residents cannot receive federal financial aid, but George Mason gives a limited number of merit scholarships to qualified international freshmen, renewable for up to four years. All admitted international applicants are considered automatically with no separate form, and the award is stated in the acceptance letter. The total cost of attendance shown is the sum of the published out-of-state tuition and fees ($39,803), on-campus food and housing ($15,020), transportation ($1,380), personal expenses ($2,384) and books ($1,380), excluding the one-time $350 new student fee.
- 67%
- Students receiving aid, FY25
- $10,959
- Average grant, FY25
- $404.2 million
- Total student aid, FY25
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters
Computer Science and Engineering
Direct admission to the College of Engineering and Computing requires four years of maths and a Math SAT of 550, a Math ACT of 24, or B grades in maths through Algebra II.
Business (Costello College)
George Mason says U.S. News ranks the Costello College of Business among the top 100 undergraduate business school programs.
Policy and Government (Schar School)
A policy school within reach of Washington, D.C., on the Arlington and Fairfax campuses.
Peace and Conflict Resolution
George Mason says it was the first university in the world to offer graduate degrees in conflict resolution.
Nursing (BSN)
Admission is highly competitive and needs a second School of Nursing review.
Visual and Performing Arts
The Center for the Arts and EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax campus host performances, and some programs require an audition or portfolio review.
Research
- George Mason is classified R1 (very high research activity) by Carnegie.
- Two of its professors, James M. Buchanan (1986) and Vernon L. Smith (2002), have won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
- The Science and Technology Campus in Prince William County covers 134 acres in Innovation Park and opened a 132,000-square-foot Life Sciences and Engineering Building in March 2025.
Schools & faculties
- Antonin Scalia Law School
- Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
- College of Education and Human Development
- Donald G. Costello College of Business
- College of Engineering and Computing
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Public Health
- College of Science
- College of Visual and Performing Arts
- Schar School of Policy and Government
- Honors College
George Mason reports that 85 percent of recent graduates have positive career outcomes within six months, and 85 percent of surveyed graduates are employed in Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C.
Student life
The Fairfax Campus is a suburban campus on 677 wooded acres, with more than 6,000 students living in 40 residence halls. The student body is varied: 22 percent are from out of state, 9 percent are international and 26 percent of first-time freshmen are first-generation. The EagleBank Arena and the Center for the Arts bring concerts, sports and performances on campus, and the Mason Observatory has viewing hours for the campus community and the public. Teams compete in NCAA Division I, with about 513 student-athletes in 22 sports.
- About 513 student-athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division I sports.
- More than 6,000 students live in 40 residence halls on the Fairfax Campus.
- The Mason Observatory and the Center for the Arts are open to the campus community.
- Free public transport on the Mason Shuttles and the Fairfax City CUE Bus.
Housing. About 5,137 degree-seeking undergraduates lived on campus in fall 2025, and the Fairfax Campus has 40 residence halls.
Location
The Fairfax Campus is in the City of Fairfax, Virginia, about 20 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. Students have free public transport through the Mason Shuttles and Fairfax City's CUE Bus. Mason Square in Arlington is minutes from the capital, and the Science and Technology Campus is in Prince William County. Northern Virginia's employers, agencies and think tanks are the main draw.
Nearest airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Notable alumni
- ZS Zainab SalbiFounder of Women for Women International; bachelor's in sociology and women's studies from George Mason
- AK Archie KaoActor and producer; degree in speech communication (1992)
- KC Ken CuccinelliFormer Attorney General of Virginia and acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security; J.D. and M.A. from George Mason
- RM Riley MooreU.S. Representative for West Virginia; bachelor's degree in government
- SR Steve RicchettiFormer Counselor to the President under Joe Biden; J.D. from George Mason School of Law
- CF Christine FoxFormer acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense; George Mason graduate
- JB Justin BourFormer Major League Baseball first baseman; played baseball at George Mason (attended)
- KR Karl RoveRepublican strategist and senior adviser to President George W. Bush; attended George Mason (non-degree study)
Frequently asked questions
What is George Mason University's acceptance rate?
In fall 2025, George Mason admitted 22,495 of 26,014 first-year applicants, about 86.5 percent, according to its Common Data Set.
Does George Mason require the SAT or ACT?
No. George Mason has offered Score Optional consideration since 2007. Applicants to computer science and engineering can apply without scores if they meet the four-year mathematics requirement.
What are George Mason's application deadlines?
November 1 for non-binding Early Action (priority for Honors College, University Scholars and merit scholarships) and February 1 for Regular Decision; George Mason lists these without a year.
How much does George Mason cost for international students?
For 2026-27, out-of-state tuition and fees are $39,803, on-campus food and housing about $15,020, and George Mason's cost-of-attendance table adds transportation, personal expenses and books, giving about $59,967 in total.
What English test scores does George Mason require?
Undergraduates need TOEFL iBT 80 (tests before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 on the new scale, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110 or Pearson 59, with slightly different subsection rules for engineering and computing applicants.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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