Academic Comparison between GWU and GMU

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

  • GWU is a private (not-for-profit) and GMU is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • GWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($64,798) than GMU ($37,979).
  • It is harder to admit to GWU than GMU.
  • GWU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,430) than GMU (1,240).
  • GWU has higher submitted ACT score (32) than GMU (28).
  • GMU has more students with 39,049 students while GWU has 25,939 students.
  • GWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while GMU's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • GMU has more full-time faculties with 1,399 faculties while GWU has 1,255 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

George Washington Universityvs.George Mason University
Washington, District of ColumbiaLocationFairfax, Virginia
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$64,7982024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$13,815
Out-Of-State$37,979
64%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$34,492Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,810
43.54 %Acceptance Rates88.83 %
21.52 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.19 %
1,430SAT Score1,240
32ACT Score28
84 %Graduation Rate70 %
-Transfer-out Rate15 %
90 %Retention Rate85 %
25,939Student Population39,049
1,255Number of Faculties1,399
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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