Academic Comparison between GMU and W&L

George Mason University and Washington and Lee University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. GMU is a four-year, public school located in Fairfax, VA and W&L is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lexington, VA.

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.

  • GMU is a public and W&L is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • W&L has more expensive tuition & fees ($64,525) than GMU ($37,979).
  • It is harder to admit to W&L than GMU.
  • W&L has a higher submitted SAT score (1,240) than GMU (1,240).
  • W&L has higher submitted ACT score (28) than GMU (28).
  • GMU has more students with 39,049 students while W&L has 2,243 students.
  • W&L has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while GMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GMU has more full-time faculties with 1,399 faculties while W&L has 251 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Mason Universityvs.Washington and Lee University
Fairfax, VirginiaLocationLexington, Virginia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Arts & Sciences
In-State$13,815
Out-Of-State$37,979
2024 Tuition & Fees$64,525
61%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$9,810Average Amount of Financial Aid$50,487
88.83 %Acceptance Rates17.36 %
22.19 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)42.40 %
1,240SAT Score1,490
28ACT Score34
70 %Graduation Rate94 %
15 %Transfer-out Rate-
85 %Retention Rate98 %
39,049Student Population2,243
1,399Number of Faculties251
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services