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George Mason University

7.5(10)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1949
Founded
1949
Type
Public
University Guide

About George Mason University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia, is the state's largest public university, known for its research excellence. Founded in 1949, it offers diverse programs and global opportunities, attracting students from India and beyond. Currently, GMU has over 40,000 students from all 50 US states and 130 countries. This university ranks #1 in Virginia for the best value, internship, and upward mobility. Other notable George Mason University rankings include the following:

  • #52 in Public Universities in U.S. News and World Report, 2025
  • #109 Nationally in U.S. News and World Report, 2025
  • #1001-1200 is the George Mason University QS Ranking in 2025
  • #401-500 in THE World University Rankings 2025

Known for Business, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, and Law, GMU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees. On average, George Mason University tuition fee is 38,688 USD per year for undergraduate, 36,477 USD per year for graduate, and 40,984 USD per year for Law programs.

Table of Contents
  1. George Mason University Degrees and Fees
  2. George Mason University Admissions
  3. George Mason University Cost of Living
  4. George Mason University Scholarships
  5. George Mason University Placements and Job Outcomes
  6. GMU At a Glance:
  7. FAQs

George Mason University Degrees and Fees

George Mason University offers over 130 master's, doctoral, and professional programs, along with 100+ graduate certificates. Eight of its graduate programs are ranked the best in Virginia. Here are some of the popular courses and fees of George Mason University.

George Mason University Popular Undergraduate Programs

Program Annual Tuition Fees Application Deadline
BS Business 38,688 USD Fall Semester:
Early Action: November 1, 2024
Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025
Final: June 1, 2025

Spring Semester:
Priority Deadline: October 1, 2025
BS Computer Science
BA/ BS Economics
BS Cybersecurity Engineering
BS Nursing
BA/ BS Psychology

George Mason University Popular Graduate Programs

Program Annual Tuition Fees Application Deadline
MS Biology 36,477 USD Fall: April 15, 2025 (Standard and Priority)
Spring: November 1, 2025 (TBC)
MS Civil Engineering Fall: March 15, 2025 | Spring: October 15, 2024
MS Computer Engineering Fall: March 15, 2025 | Spring: October 15, 2024
MS Computer Science Fall:
March 15, 2025
Online Program: August 01, 2025
Spring:
October 15, 2024
Online Program: May 01, 2025
MHA Healthcare System Management Fall:
April 01, 2025
Online Program: August 1, 2025
DNP Nursing Administration Spring: November 01, 2024 (TBC)

George Mason University Admissions

George Mason University acceptance rate is 91%. Indian students can apply to GMU in Fall and Spring intakes in USA. Aim to apply early for better admission chances. Below are the basic entry requirements for admission to George Mason University for international students.

Parameters Undergraduate Graduate
Application Portal Common App | GMU Online Application GMU Online Application
George Mason University application fee 80 USD 75 USD
Academic Requirements Certified high school diploma with a Grade of B Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
Test Scores Optional SAT/ ACT scores GRE/ GMAT (required for some courses)
ELP Scores TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL iBT: 88 | IELTS: 7.0
Documents 2 LORs | Essay or Personal Statement (250 words) | Resume LOR | SOP | Essay

Know More: Documents Required for UG and PG Admissions in USA


George Mason University Admissions Deadlines

Check out the George Mason University admissions deadlines for different levels of admission.

Study Level Intake Application Deadlines Remark
Undergraduate Fall (August Start) November 1, 2024 Non-Binding Early Action Deadline and Honors College Consideration
February 1, 2025 Regular Decision Deadline
June 1, 2025 Final
Spring (January start) October 1, 2025 Priority Application Deadline
December 1, 2025 Enrollment Deposit Deadline
Graduate Fall March 15-April 15, 2025 Regular Programs
August 1, 2025 Online Programs
Spring October 15, 2025 Regular Programs
November 1, 2025 Online Programs

George Mason University Cost of Living

Fairfax is considered one of the richest neighborhoods in the USA, and the cost of living is on the higher side. Being an Indian student, you expect to pay around 15,000 to 25,000 USD for the annual cost of living. Here's a structured breakdown of the estimated cost of living at George Mason University (GMU) for undergraduate and graduate students:

Expense Category On-Campus (UG) Off-Campus (UG) Living with Parents (UG) Off-Campus (Graduate) Living with Parents (Graduate)
Housing & Food 15,725 USD 15,725 USD 10,734 USD 26,462 USD 16,103 USD
Transportation 1,329 USD 2,903 USD 2,903 USD 2,903 USD 2,903 USD
Personal Expenses 2,338 USD 6,188 USD 2,338 USD 6,188 USD 2,338 USD
Books & Supplies 1,288 USD 1,288 USD 1,288 USD 1,288 USD 1,288 USD
New Student Fees 350 USD (Freshmen) / 275 USD (Transfers) 60 USD (Graduate)

Additional Notes:

  • GMU offers free transportation services, including Mason Shuttles and the Fairfax City CUE Bus.
  • Costs are estimates and may vary depending on lifestyle choices and academic program requirements.
  • Check the Cost of Living in the USA for better clarity.

George Mason University Scholarships

George Mason University (GMU) offers several financial aid opportunities for international students:

Merit-Based Scholarships:

  • Eligibility: Available to highly qualified international freshmen and transfer students holding non-immigrant, non-resident status and pursuing a degree full-time on an F-1 visa.
  • Application Process: No separate scholarship application is required; all admitted international applicants are automatically considered during the regular admission review.
  • Renewal: Scholarships are renewable for up to four years for freshmen and two years for transfer students, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing.

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship:

  • Purpose: Recognizes international students who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing intercultural understanding.
  • Details: Open to first-year undergraduate international students of all academic majors. The scholarship covers a minimum of 50% of tuition for the first year and is renewable for the second year, provided the student remains in good academic standing.
  • Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay or a 2-5 minute video describing their leadership skills in their school or community and how they plan to apply those skills at GMU.
  • Deadline: The scholarship application and accompanying essay or video must be submitted by December 15, 2024. Decisions will be announced by March 1, 2025.

Explore: Scholarships to Study in USA in 2025


George Mason University Placements and Job Outcomes

George Mason University (GMU) demonstrates strong employment outcomes for its graduates. According to the university's Career Plans Survey, 88% of 2023 graduates reported job success related to their career goals within 6 months, with a median salary of 74,000 USD.

The university's Career Services department maintains relationships with numerous prominent employers, including Amazon, Deloitte, Google, and the U.S. Department of State, among others. Additionally, data from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning indicates that 82% of employed graduates are working in fields related to their academic major or career goals.

Salaries of a few job roles for GMU graduates are given below.

Job Title Average Annual Salary
Software Engineer 92,941 USD
Data Scientist 105,585 USD
Senior Software Engineer 141,017 USD
Data Analyst 67,524 USD
Management Consultant 90,397 USD
Marketing Manager 71,216 USD

george_mason_university_graduates_salary

Guides for Post-Study Work Opportunity in USA
Job Opportunities in USA High Paying Jobs in USA Popular Job Sectors in USA
Post-Study Work Visa in USA US Work Visa Types H1-B Visa for International Students in USA

George Mason University Notable Alumni

George Mason University Alumni Association offers career connections and professional networking, including several opportunities. The Mason alumni are strong and helpful, and they are easy to communicate with over LinkedIn. There are almost 200,000 Mason alumni spread across the globe.

Alumni Designation/ Achievement
Anousheh Ansari American-Iranian engineer
Dayton Moore American baseball manager
Hala Gorani American journalist
Rhea Seehorn American actress
Archie Kao American actor

GMU At a Glance:

Largest Public Research University in Virginia:

  • When was George Mason University founded? In 1957.
  • Over 40,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and 130+ countries
  • Campuses in Arlington (Mason Square), Fairfax, Front Royal (SMSC), Prince William (SciTech), and South Korea.

Admissions & Student Success:

  • Nearly 90% of undergraduate acceptance rate
  • Six-year graduation rate above the national average
  • No disparities in graduation rates across ethnic or economic groups
  • 25% of students are first-generation college attendees
  • 34% receive Pell Grants, supporting those with financial need

Transfer Student Support:

  • 3,000+ transfer students in Fall 2024
  • 900+ participated in the ADVANCE transfer pathway with Northern Virginia Community College

Academic Programs:

  • 132 master’s, doctoral, and professional programs
  • 100+ graduate-level certificates
  • 8 graduate programs ranked as best in Virginia

Career Outcomes:

  • 89% of graduates secure a job or further education within 6 months of graduation

Academics and Beyond

  • Offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with numerous minors and certificate programs.
  • Leads the nation in community college transfers and supports veterans and military students.
  • Produces more tech graduates than any other four-year institution in Virginia, with 40% of students majoring in STEM fields.
  • Pioneered test-optional admissions in 2007.
  • Implemented a direct-admissions program with 22 local high schools, admitting nearly 400 eligible students.
  • Achieves a 71% graduation rate.

Enrollment Highlights (Fall 2024):

  • Total Enrollment: 39,763
    • Undergraduate: 27,819
    • Graduate: 10,288
    • Law School: 660
  • New Students:
    • Freshmen: 4,505
    • Transfer: 3,139
    • Master’s: 2,513
    • Doctorates: 376
    • Certificates: 343
    • JD: 116

George Mason University (GMU) is Virginia’s largest public research university, with a 91% acceptance rate and 40,000+ students from 130+ countries. It ranks #52 among U.S. public universities and offers 200+ programs. Annual tuition is $38,688 (UG) and $36,477 (PG), with a living cost of $15,000–$25,000. International students can get merit-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.

87% of graduates secure jobs or further studies within six months, with a $74,000 median salary. Top recruiters include Amazon, Deloitte, and Google, making GMU a strong choice for career-focused students.

FAQs

Ques: Is George Mason a good university?

Ans: Absolutely! GMU is Virginia’s largest public research university, ranked #52 among U.S. public universities. It excels in Business, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, and Law, with 87% of graduates securing jobs or higher education within six months.

Ques: Is George Mason University expensive?

Ans: GMU offers quality education at a competitive price. Annual tuition is $38,688 (UG) and $36,477 (PG) while living expenses range from $15,000–$25,000 per year. Scholarships are available, covering up to 50% of tuition for eligible international students.

Ques: Is George Mason University hard to get into?

Ans: Not at all! GMU has a 91% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most qualified students. However, competitive programs may have higher admission requirements.

Ques: What GPA is needed for George Mason University?

Ans: For undergraduates, a B average (3.0 GPA) is recommended. Graduate applicants typically need a 3.0 GPA as well, though requirements may vary by program.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

122

Fee from

₹22,97,680.2

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 59 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 32.6 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 34,860 /Yr
Living Expense₹1434786
Estimated Total₹1793202
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

George Mason University admissions are open for both fall (August) and spring (January) intakes across undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs. Undergraduate deadlines include Early Action by November 1, 2025, Regular Decision by February 1, 2026, and a final deadline on June 1, 2026. For graduate programs, deadlines vary, with most fall applications due between March 15 and April 15, 2026 (TBC). However, online programs are accepted until August 1, 2025, for Fall 2025. MBA applicants can apply for Fall 2026 by February 1 (priority) and May 1, 2026, while Spring 2026 deadlines are September 15 and November 15, 2025. Admissions decisions typically take 6–8 weeks, with early responses for undergraduates applying by the Early Action deadline.

Indian students applying to George Mason University must meet academic and English proficiency criteria based on program level. Undergraduate applicants need 12th-grade transcripts, with English scores such as IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80. For graduate programs, a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, evaluated by a NACES-approved agency, is essential. Most graduate programs also require GRE/GMAT (if applicable), SOPs, and LORs. MBA aspirants need a 2-year work experience, professional LORs, and a goal statement. While GMAT/GRE is optional, minimum scores of 560/310 are recommended for those who submit them.

Read More: George Mason University Reviews and Ratings


George Mason University Admissions Deadline

You can apply for admission to George Mason University in the fall and spring intakes in the USA—Fall classes begin in August, and Spring classes start in January. Check out the George Mason University admissions deadlines tabulated below.

Study Level Intake Application Deadlines Remark
Undergraduate Fall (August Start) November 1, 2025 Non-Binding Early Action Deadline and Honors College Consideration
February 1, 2026 Regular Decision Deadline
June 1, 2026 Final
Spring (January start) October 1, 2025 Priority Application Deadline
December 1, 2025 Enrollment Deposit Deadline
Graduate Fall March 15-April 15, 2026 (TBC) Regular Programs
August 1, 2025 Online Programs
Spring October 15, 2025 Regular Programs
November 1, 2025 Online Programs
MBA Fall February 1, 2026 (TBC) Priority Deadline
May 1, 2026 (TBC) Standard & F1/J1 Visa Students
Spring September 15, 2025 Priority Deadline
November 15, 2025 Standard & F1/J1 Visa

George Mason University Admissions Requirements

George Mason University provides more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with over 100 graduate certificates. Additionally, 8 of its graduate programs hold the top ranking in Virginia. Check out the George Mason University admission requirements for international students for different levels of study mentioned below.

Explore: George Mason University Courses and Fees


George Mason University Graduate Admission Requirements

  • George Mason Application Portal: GMU Online Application
  • George Mason University Application Fee: 75 USD
  • Academics: Bachelor’s degree transcripts with 3.0 GPA (evaluated by NACES agency)
  • Tests: GRE/GMAT (if required by the program)
  • English Proficiency (any one)
  • LORs: As per program requirements
  • SOP: Statement of purpose for USA outlining goals
  • Additional: Some programs require portfolios/interviews

George Mason University Admissions Deadlines for Top Graduate Programs

Programs Upcoming Application Deadlines
Master of Public Health [M.P.H] Fall: August 01, 2025 | Spring: December 01, 2025
Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science Fall: August 01, 2025 (online) | Spring: October 15, 2025 (standard), November 01, 2025 (space available)
Masters in Management Spring: September 15, 2025 (priority), November 15, 2025 (standard)
Master of Science [M.S] Data Analytics Engineering Fall: August 01, 2025 (online) | Spring: October 15, 2025 (standard), November 01, 2025 (space available)
Master of Science [M.S] Health Informatics Fall: August 01, 2025 (online) | Spring: November 01, 2025 (priority), December 15, 2025 (online)
Master of Science [M.S] Information Systems Spring: October 15, 2025 (standard), November 01, 2025 (space available)

Know More: How to Apply for MS in USA in 2025 from India?


George Mason University MBA Admissions Requirements

  • Degree: Bachelor’s from a recognized institution
  • Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of full-time experience
  • George Mason Application Portal: Business School Online Application
  • George Mason University Application Fee: 75 USD
  • English Proficiency (any one)
  • Transcripts: Unofficial for application; official required after admission
  • LORs: 2 professional letters (supervisor, co-worker, or client)
  • Resume: Detailed professional experience
  • Goals Statement: Career objectives and MBA relevance
  • GMAT/GRE: Test-optional. If submitted, the minimum scores are:
    • GMAT Focus Edition: 560
    • GMAT Legacy Edition: 600
    • GRE: 159 in Quantitative Reasoning, and 154 in Verbal Reasoning
    • Executive Assessment: 150

George Mason Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • George Mason Application Portal: Common App or GMU’s application
  • George Mason University Application Fee: 80 USD
  • Academics: 12th-grade official transcripts (English translation if needed)
  • Tests (Optional): SAT/ACT
  • English Proficiency (any one)
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT: 80
    • PTE: 59
    • DET: 110
  • LORs: Recommended (1 teacher + 1 counselor)
  • Essay: 250-word personal statement (optional)
  • Resume: Required for academic gaps

Also Read: Requirements to Study in USA for Indian Students


George Mason University Acceptance Rate

George Mason University is the largest public research university in Virginia, with around 40,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and 130+ countries. It has an acceptance rate of around 88-91%. Previous year’s application statistics for GMU admissions are as follows.

Particulars Details
Total Applicant 22,579
Accepted Applicants 20,057
Enrolled Students 4,451
Acceptance Rate (Accepted/ Total Applicants) 89% approx

George Mason University Students Profile

The current student profile of GMU is as follows.

Category Numbers
Total Enrollment 39,763
Undergraduate 27,819
Graduate 10,288
Law School 660
International 8,656 (22% of the total Student body)

Explore: George Mason University Student Profiles

george_mason_university_enrollment_statistics


George Mason University Admissions Decision Dates

Students often thought, how long does GMU take to process applications? The application processing time depends on the study level and the application plan. More detailed information is given below.

  • Undergraduate:
    • Early Action (Nov 1 deadline): Decisions by mid-December
    • Regular Decision (Feb 1 deadline): Results by late March
  • Graduate:
    • Most applications take 6-8 weeks for a decision
    • Some programs review applications only at specific times
  • INTO Mason (Pathway Programs):
    • Confirmation email: Within 48 hours
    • Decision: Within 7 business days (portfolios may take longer)

You will be notified via the George Mason University admissions email—so check your inbox regularly!


George Mason University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs with clear admission requirements and flexible deadlines. With an acceptance rate of 91% for undergraduates and 73% for graduate programs, GMU provides opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Admissions decisions typically take 6-8 weeks, with earlier responses for undergraduate early-action applicants.


FAQs

Ques: What GPA is needed to get into GMU?

Ans: For graduate admissions, George Mason University requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements.

Ques: Is George Mason University hard to get into?

Ans: GMU has an overall acceptance rate of 88-91%, making it a moderately competitive university. However, graduate programs have varying acceptance rates, with some being more selective, such as the MBA program (49%) and the Law School (14%).

Ques: What major is George Mason University known for?

Ans: GMU is well known for its business, law, engineering, computer science, and public policy programs. Additionally, eight of its graduate programs are ranked best in Virginia.

Ques: Is the GRE required for George Mason University?

Ans: The GRE/GMAT requirement depends on the program. Some graduate programs at GMU require GRE/GMAT scores, while others have waived the requirement or made it optional. The MBA program, for instance, is test-optional but allows applicants to submit scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.

Placements & Recruiters

George Mason University Placement Details

George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Fairfax, Virginia, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #41
  • Computer Science and Engineering: #23 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 31 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 5 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #57
  • Computer Science: #20 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 33 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #39
  • Law: #14 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 20 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Social Studies
  • 3 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #54
  • Public Policy: #10 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 21 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Medicine
  • 4 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #56
  • Law: #37 in country
  • Top source: Collegedunia
  • 7 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

4400 University Dr

+1-703-993-2400

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.5/10
Top Rated

Based on 10 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.6/10
Faculty
8.8/10
Infrastructure
9.1/10
Accommodation
8.7/10
Placement
8.5/10
Extracurricular
8.3/10