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George Mason University is extremely diverse, with a large international contingent representing about 130 countries. GMU is a relatively new university, beginning as a branch of the University of Virginia in the '50s and splitting off into its own institution in 1972. It's named after a founding father. The main campus, in suburban Fairfax, is about 15 miles from Washington, D.C. -- but it also has a satellite campus in South Korea. Once a largely commuter school, GMU now requires that freshmen live on campus, and it has grown into the largest public university in Virginia, with over 37,000 students, about 26,000 of them undergraduates. It offers more than 80 undergraduate majors in its 10 schools and colleges. GMU prides itself on its values, among them innovation, integrity, inclusivity, freedom of thought and expression. GMU fields 20 men's and women's teams in Division I sports, including baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and track and field. Prospective students not into sports can check out the more than 350 clubs.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
FALL 2020 PLAN: George Mason University has expanded online course offering this fall, so students can have a mix of both in-person and remote classes. On-campus housing will be available, but at a reduced capacity. Everyone must wear masks in public places.
costs
Est. Full Price 2020-2021
$31,000
% of students who get any grants
50%
Est. price for students who receive aid
$19,900
Average price for low-income students
$16,100
admissions
Acceptance rate
81%
Median SAT/ACT Score
1220/27
SAT/ACT Required for Fall 2021?
no
Enrollment
25,510
Financial Aid
% of students with need who get grants
82%
% of need met
55%
% of students who get merit* grants
7%
Average merit grant
$5,000
student success
Graduation rate
70%
Average time to a degree
4.4 years
Average student debt
$20,000
Average salary within 5 years
$55,800
% earning more than $28,000
82%
key deadlines
Early decision application
Nov 15
Regular application
Jan 15
coronavirus update
FALL 2020 PLAN: George Mason University has expanded online course offering this fall, so students can have a mix of both in-person and remote classes. On-campus housing will be available, but at a reduced capacity. Everyone must wear masks in public places.
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