George Mason University vs VCU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
George Mason University vs VCU at a glance
George Mason University admits 87.5% of applicants and VCU 92.6% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,697 at George Mason University and $25,037 at VCU. Six-year graduation rates are 66.5% and 64.7%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- George Mason University admits 87.5% of applicants and VCU 92.6%, so George Mason University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,697 a year at George Mason University and $25,037 at VCU; George Mason University costs $10,340 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $9,594 at George Mason University and $18,927 at VCU.
- 66.5% of students graduate within six years at George Mason University, against 64.7% at VCU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $79,923 for George Mason University and $64,442 for VCU; George Mason University is $15,481 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,500 at George Mason University and $19,500 at VCU.
- George Mason University enrolls 27,752 students (large suburb) and VCU 20,753 (midsize city).
Side by side
George Mason University and VCU in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | George Mason University | VCU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 92.6% |
| Applicants | 20,527 | 17,579 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1160–1360 | 1010–1270 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–30 | 22–30 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,697 | $25,037 |
| Tuition, in state | $14,316 | $17,490 |
| Tuition, out of state | $39,312 | $40,654 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,910 | $43,180 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $9,594 | $18,927 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $9,467 | $18,347 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $11,341 | $20,373 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,147 | $27,067 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,862 | $38,273 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 66.5% | 64.7% |
| First-year retention | 86% | 85.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $79,923 | $64,442 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 27,752 | 20,753 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | Fairfax, VA | Richmond, VA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
George Mason University reports 69 bachelor's programs and VCU 55; 39 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Business/Commerce, General
- Psychology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Political Science and Government
Questions about George Mason University vs VCU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into George Mason University or VCU?
George Mason University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: George Mason University admits 87.5% of applicants and VCU admits 92.6%. Middle 50% SAT scores: George Mason University 1160–1360; VCU 1010–1270.
Which is cheaper, George Mason University or VCU?
George Mason University has the lower average net price after grants: $14,697 a year at George Mason University against $25,037 at VCU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $9,594 and $18,927. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do George Mason University or VCU graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates earn more at the median: $79,923 ten years after entry for George Mason University and $64,442 for VCU. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, George Mason University or VCU?
George Mason University does: 66.5% of George Mason University students graduate within six years, against 64.7% at VCU.
How big are George Mason University and VCU?
George Mason University has 27,752 students in Fairfax, VA and VCU has 20,753 students in Richmond, VA.