George Mason University
Source: george_mason.md
George Mason University
Admissions (Class of 2029 / Fall 2025)
- Total applicants: ~30,000
- Overall acceptance rate: 87%
- Early round: EA available — non-binding; no significant rate differential
- Class size: ~4,505
- Yield: 20%
Academics
- SAT middle 50%: 1170-1350
- ACT middle 50%: 25-30
- Avg unweighted GPA: 3.65 (estimated)
- Top 10% of HS class: ~20% (estimated)
- Testing policy: Test-optional (score-optional; self-reported scores accepted)
Demographics
- Women: 49%, Asian: 22%, Black: 11%, Hispanic: 17%, White: 36%, International: 5%
Financial Aid / Net Cost
| Income Bracket |
Net Price |
| $0-$30,000 |
$16,204 |
| $30,001-$48,000 |
$17,060 |
| $48,001-$75,000 |
$20,468 |
| $75,001-$110,000 |
$23,266 |
| Over $110,000 |
$25,480 |
Athletics
~450 varsity athletes (~1.6% of undergrads). NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10 Conference. 22 varsity sports.
Notable
George Mason is Virginia's largest public university (~28,300 undergrads) and one of the most diverse universities in the state. Located in Fairfax, VA, just outside Washington, D.C., it offers exceptional access to government, policy, and tech internships. The 87% acceptance rate and strong public-university value (in-state tuition ~$13K) make it a classic safety for Virginia and D.C.-area students. GMU's rapid growth and proximity to the capital have driven rising national recognition.
Admissions Strategy
- 87% acceptance rate makes GMU one of the most accessible schools in the dataset; essentially guaranteed admission for most applicants
- EA available but no meaningful advantage; test-optional with self-reported scores accepted
- Forums describe GMU as the default safety for Northern Virginia and D.C.-area students
- The school's rapid growth and proximity to D.C. are driving rising national recognition, but it's still primarily a regional draw
Campus Culture & Fit
- Only 25% of undergrads live on campus — GMU is widely characterized as a commuter school on College Confidential and Reddit
- Students report waking up 2+ hours before class to deal with traffic and parking; parking costs and availability are top complaints
- Campus social scene is quieter than traditional residential universities; Greek life present but not dominant
- The D.C. metro location is the #1 pro: government agencies, tech companies, and nonprofits provide exceptional internship access
- One of Virginia's most diverse universities — forums highlight the multicultural student body as a strength
Financial Aid Reputation
- In-state tuition (~$13K) provides strong value for Virginia residents
- Out-of-state value is less compelling; forums suggest GMU is primarily a financial play for in-state students
- Merit scholarships available but not at the transformative level of Alabama-type automatic awards
Simulation-Relevant Takeaways
- High acceptance rate (87%) + commuter culture + regional draw = classic accessible safety school pattern
- Yield (20%) is relatively strong for a school this accessible, likely driven by D.C.-area students who live at home and commute
- For modeling: GMU's demand is geographically concentrated in NoVA/D.C.; yield is driven by cost (in-state) and convenience (commuter), not prestige
Sources
- George Mason University CDS 2024-2025 (oiep.gmu.edu)
- College Factual net price data
- AcceptanceRate.com
- GMU Key Facts page
- CollegeTuitionCompare.com