Academic Comparison between GMU and UMass Amherst

George Mason University and University of Massachusetts-Amherst are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. GMU is located in Fairfax, VA and UMass Amherst is located in Amherst, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UMass Amherst has more expensive tuition & fees ($39,293) than GMU ($37,979).
  • It is harder to admit to UMass Amherst than GMU.
  • UMass Amherst has a higher submitted SAT score (1,240) than GMU (1,240).
  • UMass Amherst has higher submitted ACT score (28) than GMU (28).
  • GMU has more students with 39,049 students while UMass Amherst has 32,229 students.
  • GMU has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UMass Amherst's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UMass Amherst has more full-time faculties with 1,452 faculties while GMU has 1,399 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationAmherst, Massachusetts
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$13,815
Out-Of-State$37,979
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,357
Out-Of-State$39,293
61%% Receiving Financial Aid77%
$9,810Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,636
89.00 %Acceptance Rates58.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.00 %
1,240SAT Score1,390
28ACT Score31
70 %Graduation Rate83 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate11 %
85 %Retention Rate90 %
39,049Student Population32,229
1,399Number of Faculties1,452
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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