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Summary
George Mason University is a public institution that was founded in 1972. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,782, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 806 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. George Mason University's ranking in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 139. Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,620 (2012-13); out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,764 (2012-13).
As a distributed university, George Mason University has several suburban campus locations, each not far from Washington, D.C. Freshmen are not required to live on campus, though traditional coed residence halls and suites are available at the school’s Fairfax, Va., campus for those who choose to live in university housing.
Despite a sizable commuter population, the school offers a Weekends at Mason program and events for students who don’t travel home after the school week is over. There are more than 20 fraternities and sororities, which involve close to 15 percent of the student body population, and about 200 clubs and organizations. The school’s Patriots sports teams are members of the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association, and the George Mason basketball team is particularly competitive. The university also has a number of graduate schools and programs, including the well-regarded George Mason School of Law.
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George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Its prime location just outside Washington, D.C., makes George Mason University's beautiful residential campus the destination for a diverse student body from all over the world. Experience: Mason prides itself on its campus diversity with over 49% of undergraduates and 38% of graduate students being historically under-represented minorities or international students. Students from 134 countries attend classes on our Virginia campuses. Nearly one-third of Mason students are enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) programs. Of these, 37% are under-represented minorities and an additional 10% are international students. Mason professors conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, climate change, international policy and politics, cyber security, national and international security, neuroscience, the biosciences, and computer game design. Our professors are well-known leaders in their fields, who routinely welcome undergraduates as well as graduate students to actively participate in their research. Opportunity: Mason students lobby Congress on educational issues, pioneer outreach programs for disadvantaged children, and collect oral histories in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The prospects of internships, research, and employment here are unmatched anywhere else. Many Mason graduates continue employment with places they interned, or remain in the area to take advantage of the outstanding job market. Through a first of its kind partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoo, Mason offers students the chance to spend a semester at one of the most advanced conservation research centers in the world, and complete a minor in applied conservation studies in just that one semester. A master's in the History of Decorative Arts is another Mason/Smithsonian partnership. Social Responsibility: The university's commitment to the environment is visible in new facilities such as the sustainable dining hall, designed to exceed "green" standards, and its LEED-certified hotel and conference center. As part of its Vision for Sustainability in Academic Endeavors, Mason has easily identifiable "green leaf" courses focused on sustainability across the disciplines. At Mason, our perspective is global, focusing on issues that confront the local region, the U.S., and the world. By making a difference in the lives of our students, we prepare them to make a difference in the world. |
General Information
| School type | public, coed college |
| Year founded | 1972 |
| Religious affiliation | N/A |
| Academic calendar | semester |
| Setting | suburban |
| 2011 Endowment | $51,608,372 |
Applying
When applying to George Mason University, it's important to note the application deadline is January 15, and the early action deadline is November 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due January 15. The application fee at George Mason University is $100. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 52.8 percent and an early acceptance rate of 71.7 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
| Selectivity | more selective |
| Fall 2011 acceptance rate | 52.8% |
| Application deadline | January 15 |
| SAT/ACT scores must be received by | January 15 |
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at George Mason University is 16:1, and the school has 27.9 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at George Mason University include: Psychology, General; Communication, General; Accounting; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; and Business Administration and Management, General. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 85.5 percent.
Student Life
George Mason University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,782, with a gender distribution of 48.0 percent male students and 52.0 percent female students. At this school, 27.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 73.0 percent of students live off campus. George Mason University is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.
See what students are saying about life at George Mason University.
| Total enrollment | 33,320 |
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| Collegiate athletic association | NCAA I |
Campus Info & Services
George Mason University offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, day care, health service, and health insurance. George Mason University also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at George Mason University, 63 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at George Mason University.
| Students who have cars on campus | 63% |
| Health insurance offered | Yes |
| Students required to own/lease a computer | No |
More About Campus Info & Services
Paying for School
At George Mason University, 47.2 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $6,867.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
| In-state tuition and fees | $9,620 (2012-13) |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $27,764 (2012-13) |
| Room and board | $9,250 (2012-13) |
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* Overview details based on 2011 data
