George Mason University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

George Mason University has four physical campuses located in Virginia, with an additional international campus in South Korea. Each campus is developed to support specific academic goals, student populations, and research priorities.

While their focus areas differ, all locations are integrated through shared academic systems, digital libraries, and student services. Here's a look at the key campuses:

• Fairfax Campus
  • Spans 677 acres and serves as the central hub for undergraduate education.
  • Hosts over 6,000 students in on-campus housing with access to full-scale academic and recreational facilities.
  • Includes the university’s primary libraries, labs, and student unions.
• Mason Square (Arlington)
• Focuses on professional and graduate-level degrees in law, business, and public policy.
• Integrates policy research centers with emerging tech labs.
• Designed for working professionals with access to urban commuting.
• SciTech Campus (Manassas)
• Emphasizes applied sciences, with strong offerings in cybersecurity, bioengineering, and data science learning.
• Includes residential options and proximity to advanced research centers.
• Home to STEM-focused student cohorts and hands-on project environments.
• Mason Korea
• Offers select bachelor’s degrees through a transnational model.
• Students begin their studies in Songdo, South Korea, with the option to transfer to Virginia.
• Focus areas include international business, economics, and global policy.
• Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
• Immersive site dedicated to conservation education and ecological fieldwork.
• Based in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution for wildlife research.
• Offers limited-enrollment programs with direct exposure to sustainability science.

Each of Mason’s campuses contributes uniquely to its national visibility. This influence is also reflected in how the university performs across global and national rankings.

George Mason University rankings maintain a steady presence globally, with its 2026 QS World University Ranking positioned at #951–1000. Although THE and U.S. News rankings are pending for the latest cycle, the university held ground at #401–500 (THE) and #510 globally (U.S. News) in 2024–25.

Explore how GMU’s performance has shifted across years and ranking systems in the table below:

While overall rankings offer a broad picture, a closer look at discipline-level data shows where George Mason stands out most.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

Several of George Mason’s academic disciplines have secured notable spots in subject-specific lists, especially in STEM and space-focused fields. Medical Science courses, for instance, appear in THE (#301–400) and U.S. News (#418) rankings, while its Space Science offering ranks within the top 200 globally at #193.

Full subject rankings are listed below:

Strong rankings often influence admissions competitiveness. Here's what prospective students should know before applying to George Mason in 2025.

George Mason University follows a structured admissions process that varies by program level, intake season, and applicant type. Freshmen typically apply with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.3, while graduate applicants are expected to hold a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution. 

Let’s start with the admission requirements.

Admission Requirements

Academic qualifications, standardized test scores, and program-specific expectations determine admission into George Mason. 

Undergraduate applications are test-optional but benefit from a strong GPA. Postgraduate applicants may also need to submit portfolios or competitive GRE/GMAT scores, depending on the program.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply, depending on your level:

Academic Qualification

George Mason’s academic eligibility standards reflect its tiered admissions approach. High school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0–3.3 can qualify for undergraduate admission, while graduate applicants must demonstrate a GPA of at least 3.0 in prior university-level study.

Here’s the typical admission qualifications:

Language Proficiency

To ensure academic readiness, international applicants must meet English language benchmarks. George Mason accepts a range of exams, including IELTS (6.5 overall IELTS band score), TOEFL (minimum 80 for UG, 88 for PG), and Duolingo (120+). These minimums are consistent across most programs. Full score expectations are listed below.

Competitive Exams

Standardized testing plays a flexible but strategic role in the George Mason University admission process. SAT and ACT scores are optional for undergraduates, though median scores range from 1140–1350 (SAT) and 25–30 (ACT).

Specific exams required to study in the USA are outlined below:

Note: These are the average scores expected for a competitive application to George Mason University.

Once accepted, international students must go through visa compliance. These requirements are tied to U.S. immigration policy and Mason’s protocols.

Visa Requirements

All admitted international students must obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa, supported by a GMU-issued I-20 or DS-2019 form. Applicants must submit biometrics, pay the SEVIS fee, and provide proof of funds covering at least one year of study and living expenses.

Detailed requirements are summarized below:

Planning documents aren’t enough without knowing when to apply. George Mason offers multiple intakes, each with different deadlines and conditions.

Application Deadline and Intakes

George Mason University offers spring and fall admissions with multiple deadline tracks, including funding consideration, international applicant timelines, and short-term job-oriented study options.

For Fall intake, the priority funding deadline for graduate applicants is December 1, 2025, while international freshmen must apply by June 1, 2025 (Closed). Find a detailed timeline for both intakes below:

Once timing is settled, applicants explore what’s on offer. Mason’s course catalog spans traditional, interdisciplinary, and career-focused tracks.

George Mason University offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, along with certificates and minors across its campuses. Core disciplines include Business, Computer Science, Law, and various types of engineering programs.

Programs are available in full-time, part-time, hybrid, and online learning formats, many connected to research centers, national agencies, and industry. Standout Programs at George Mason University include:

• MBA in Business (AACSB‑accredited): 48-credit curriculum with core and elective modules; offered on-campus, online, or in hybrid format, suited for both early-career professionals and experienced managers.
• MS in Health Informatics: CAHIIM-accredited, this program covers analytics, health IT systems, and informatics management; available both online and on-campus with flexible study options.
• MA in International Security (Schar School): Designed for roles in defense, diplomacy, and global security strategy; includes access to Washington, D.C.-based policy labs and simulations.
• BS in Computer Science: Offers core training in software systems, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and architecture; supported by internship pipelines and faculty research in the D.C. tech corridor.
• BFA in Arts & Visual Technology: Combines game design, media production, and digital visual arts; anchored by dedicated studio spaces and exhibition platforms on campus.

The next consideration is cost. Here's a breakdown of tuition fees by program type at George Mason.

Program Fees at George Mason University

Tuition at George Mason varies by program, with undergraduate degrees costing around $38,688 (INR 33L) annually, and specialized master’s degree programs like the MBA priced at $43,000 (INR 36.7L).

Law courses in the USA show broader variation, with the full-time LLM offered at a lower cost ($20,489 or INR 17.5L) compared to the JD ($40,984 or INR 35L). Refer to the program-wise breakdown below for fee figures:

Along with the program fee, it’s equally important to understand the financial commitment. Here's a breakdown of the cost of studying at George Mason University in 2025.

The Cost of studying in the USA at Mason differs slightly across fields, with undergraduate degrees in Nursing courses and Education both set at $38,688 (INR 33L) per year. 

On the graduate side, fees range from $36,477 (INR 31.1L) for Arts to $36,480 (INR 31.1L) for Computer Science, placing most offerings within a consistent band.

See the full list of course-specific annual tuition fees below:

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Living costs can shift based on location, lifestyle, and housing. Let’s look at specific living expense estimates around Mason’s campuses.

Cost of Living

Living expenses for Mason students range from $17,400 to $26,900 (INR 15L to INR 23.1L) annually, depending on housing preferences, transportation habits, and lifestyle. 

Accommodation in the USA and food together can exceed $18,000 (INR 15.4L), while utilities and textbooks add notable additional costs.

See the estimated cost of living in the USA below:

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

To offset these costs, students can explore a range of funding options. George Mason offers both internal and external scholarships.

George Mason University offers a mix of internal and external scholarships to help eligible students reduce their tuition burden. 

From targeted support like the $5,000 (INR 4.3L) Deltek Endowed Scholars to nationally competitive scholarships such as Fulbright, funding options span a wide eligibility range and academic stages.

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available to study in the USA.

Internal Scholarships

Mason’s internal scholarships focus primarily on merit and program fit, offering fixed financial awards to select undergraduates. 

The Mason Foundation Scholarship grants $2,000 (INR 1.7L) to international first-year students, while the YouAreWelcomeHere award covers 50% of tuition for global applicants aligned with university values.

Here’s a snapshot of key internal scholarships, including bachelor's scholarships in the USA:

In addition to in-house funding, students also tap into external awards. These range from merit-based grants to field-specific scholarships.

External Scholarships

External opportunities complement Mason’s internal funding, often providing higher coverage through nationally recognized programs. The Fulbright Scholarship offers up to $35,000 (INR 30L) for eligible graduates, while the Gates Scholarship funds full tuition for qualifying high school seniors from minority backgrounds.

Notable fully funded scholarships in the USA include:

Affording education is one half of the equation. Career outcomes validate the investment. Here's how George Mason performs in graduate employment.

George Mason University reports strong career outcomes across its undergraduate and graduate cohorts. Around 85–87% of students secure employment, enroll in further studies, or join public service within six months of graduating.

The university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and its ties to regional employers strengthen its placement performance year after year. Placement highlights include:

• 85–87% of graduates report positive career options after graduation, including employment, further studies, military, or volunteer service, all within six months.
• Median starting salary for graduates is ~$72,000 to $74,000 (INR 61.5L to INR 63.2L), which is among the highest for Virginia public universities.
• 80%+ employed in the DMV region, showing strong regional absorption
• 90% report job relevance, with roles aligned to long-term career goals
• 140+ employer events annually, including major career fairs, industry mixers, and Just-in-Time hiring sessions.

Recruitment patterns offer insight into employer confidence. Let’s explore companies that consistently hire George Mason graduates.

Top recruiters

George Mason University supports strong post-graduation outcomes through sustained relationships with regional, national, and global employers. These connections are encouraged through career fairs, employer panels, internship pipelines, and department-specific recruitment programs.

Here are key organizations that regularly hire Mason graduates:

• Amazon / AWS, Capital One, Deloitte: Major recruiters across business, Information Technology, and analytics roles; George Mason is ranked among the top employment sources for these firms in Northern Virginia.
• Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics: Preferred destination for military, defense, cybersecurity, and engineering graduates. Mason students meet these employers at Just‑in‑Time Hiring events and career fairs.
• Microsoft, Apple, Amazon Web Services (AWS): These tech firms recruit from computer science, data analytics, and engineering cohorts through Mason’s STEM-focused campus events.
• Inova Health System, NIH, Children’s National: These healthcare institutions hire Mason graduates in health informatics, public health, nursing, and neuroscience programs.

Beyond coursework, Mason’s campuses offer a built-in community through student-led groups, campus events, and dedicated support teams that shape daily life.

George Mason University supports a well-integrated student life through over 450 active organizations, 30+ competitive club sports, 22 NCAA teams, and broad access to the arts, media, and wellness programs.

For students exploring why studying in the USA is a compelling choice, Mason offers a model of balanced campus engagement that supports both academic enrichment and personal growth. Here’s a closer look at student life at George Mason University:

• Clubs & Organizations

  • Registered Student Organizations (RSOs): More than 450 groups include cultural associations, interest-based clubs (e.g., Pokémon, TTRPG), service groups, and academic societies.
  • Greek Life: Home to 42 fraternity and sorority chapters, with approximately 1,800 students involved in service projects, leadership councils, and inter-Greek events.

• Sports & Recreation

  • Club Sports: Includes teams in rugby, equestrian, ultimate frisbee, and martial arts, engaging 900+ students in regular training and intercollegiate events.
  • Intramural Leagues: Accessible to all students, with activities like flag football, e-sports, dodgeball, and basketball run throughout the year.
  • Division I Athletics: Competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, George Mason fields 22 varsity teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and swimming.

• Arts, Media & Engagement

  • Student Media: Students can join the Fourth Estate newspaper, WGMU Radio, and other outlets that offer hands-on roles in writing, editing, and broadcasting.
  • Theatre & Performance: Mason Players and the Center for the Arts support dozens of events annually, including student-led productions, professional performances, and cultural showcases.

• Wellness & Community

  • Engagement Platforms: Programs like Mason360 and the Patriot Experience help students track involvement, build co-curricular portfolios, and access leadership opportunities.
  • Support Services: Campus-wide offerings include counseling, health centers, wellness programs, campus safety, and recreational facilities, all managed by University Life’s 30+ departments.

Events like club fairs, student showcases, and intramural sign-up drives are frequent throughout the academic year, giving new students multiple on-ramps to explore interests and join active campus circles.

Student experience eventually reflects in alumni impact. George Mason’s global alumni network features leaders across multiple sectors.

With a global alumni network exceeding 240,000, George Mason University has produced leaders across disciplines, from Nobel laureates to Emmy nominees. Its master's degree holders and faculty have shaped sectors like economics, media, politics, and space technology.

Below is an overview of distinguished individuals whose achievements reflect the university’s diverse impact.

For students comparing options, how does George Mason stack up against similar universities in tuition, rankings, and outcomes? Let’s take a look at it.

George Mason University holds its ground firmly against larger peers like the University of Maryland and Virginia Tech, especially when it comes to graduate outcomes and affordability.

Despite a lower global rank, Mason reports the highest average salary in the USA after graduation ($72,000 or INR 61.5L) among the three and offers 200+ programs with strong coverage in fields like Computer Science and Law. Here's a closer look at how these universities compare across critical parameters.

While Maryland and Virginia Tech have an advantage in global rankings, George Mason stands out with higher post-graduation earnings and a sharper cost-to-value ratio. For students prioritizing career returns and flexible program options, Mason offers a strong case.