George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university based in Fairfax, Virginia, with secondary campuses in Arlington and Prince William County. It has approximately 40,000 students and is particularly strong in Economics, Public Policy, Business, Computer Science, and Law. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. offers extensive internship and career opportunities in government, technology, and international affairs. Admissions are relatively competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 89%. Its graduation rate is around 71%, and the median income of GMU graduates is around INR 55,00,000 (approximately $66,000) after ten years of graduation.
George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university in the heart of Washington, D.C. It has around 26,000 students, most of whom are international students. GWU is famous for Political Science, International Relations, Business, Law, and Public Health. Its setting in a city allows it to have unmatched exposure to internships with the federal government, NGOs, and international agencies. The admissions are very competitive with the acceptance rate sitting between 44%. Its graduate rate is slightly better at 82%, with graduates typically commanding median salaries of about INR 68,00,000 (about $81,000) ten years after graduation
George Mason University | George Washington University | |
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Collegedunia Score | 4.7 Out of 10 | 5.1 Out of 10 |
ranking (overall) | # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 # 951 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 201 Times Higher Education 2026 # 358 QS World University 2026 # 201 Times Higher Education 2025 |
Subject Strength | # 85 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 31 for Law by US News 2025 | # 74 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 176 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 31 for Law by US News 2025 |
Programs | UG Programs -101 PG Programs -75 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -71 PG Programs -67 |
Acceptance Rate | 88.8 % | 44.0 % |
Exam Score | Duolingo-110 IELTS-7 PTE-67 SAT-1100 TOEFL-88 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1280 TOEFL-99 |
Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 41190 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 45360 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 15725 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 59780 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32250 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27500 Per Year |
placement (average package) | Average Salaries are listed below:
| Engineering graduates earn an average pay of $123,238. Median salary of undergraduate programs is $50k. 96% of the students get employed or continue their education. |
application requirements | Completed online application and application fee. ... Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit scores of standardized tests Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements |
CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 10 reviews | 6.7/10 Read 9 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
ranking | # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 501 for Business by QS World University 2024 | # 97 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 61 for Business by US News 2025 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
application | - | - |
exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 67/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 110/160GRE - 314/340IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -58363 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -54632 |
documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
application dates | Aug 1, 2025 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) Sep 15, 2025 (Spring Priority Application Deadline For 2026 Intake) Nov 15, 2025 (Standard and F1/J1 Application Deadline for Spring 2026 Intake) Dec 15, 2025 (Final Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) May 1, 2026 (Standard and F1/J1 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake) | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Mar 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
General Facts | George Mason University | George Washington University |
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Type of University | University | University |
Established | 1949 | 1821 |
Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 12:1 |
Male:Female | 50% Male, 50% Female | 40% Male, 60% Female |
Location Facts | With campuses and sites reaching across Virginia and beyond, George Mason University has a sizable regional presence and a global reach. University campuses are Fairfax campus (main), Mason Square, Science and Technology campus and a campus in Korea. | GW has three fully integrated campuses in the Washington, D.C. area. These are the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology Campus |
Library |
| Libraries that are part of the university includes the flagship Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library on the main campus in Foggy Bottom, Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon Campus in Northwest DC. |
Campus Life |
| Living at GW grants you the rare opportunity to encounter a variety of new cultural experiences while learning and interning at world-class institutions. Residence hall life is an essential aspect of your college experience, and some of your lifelong friends will first be your neighbors and roommates. During your time at GW, you’ll likely find fellow students who share your interests. Whether it's leadership, politics, arts and culture, athletics or service that moves you, GW students engage in more than 450 clubs and student organizations on campus. Pursuing your passions and sharing your diversity plays an integral role in building our community. University's open dining plan provides flexibility and personalization, offering you the opportunity to use yours at more than 80 dining and grocery partners on or near the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses, and around the city. |
Hostel | #Food and Housing - $15725 | #On campus - $13000 #Off campus (not with family) - $13000 #Off campus (with family) - $1500 |
Famous Alumni |
| Derek Curtis Bok, President of Harvard University Lee Kun-Hee, Chairman of Samsung Group |
City Life |
| The Washington, D.C., metro area has the perks of a large urban area. It's serviced by an extensive public transit system and is home to plenty of restaurants, performance venues, museums, public parks and other cultural sites. Meanwhile, each neighborhood in the district and its surrounding towns has its own atmosphere. Residents gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks and converse at coffee shops, creating an ambiance similar to that of a much smaller community. Living in the district is expensive. The median home sale price is significantly higher than the national median. Your cost of living also depends on where in the metro area's four quadrants you choose to live. |
Weather |
George Mason University vs George Washington University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
George Washington University (GWU): Ranked 358 QS World University Rankings 2026. Solidly ranked in international affairs, political science, public policy, business, law, and health sciences. Its Elliott School of International Affairs and GW Law are world-class in the U.S.
George Mason University (GMU): Placed at 951-1000 in QS 2026, with rising reputation in economics, law, computer science, cybersecurity, and public policy. Its Schar School of Policy and Government and Antonin Scalia Law School are particularly notable.
General Information
George Washington University (GWU): Private research university in the heart of Washington, D.C. with around 26,000 students. Strong international connections, internship prospects, and immediate proximity to political, business, and international institutions.
George Mason University (GMU): A public research university based in Fairfax, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Educates around 39,000 students, known for being affordable, diverse, and highly connected with government and technology industries.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
GWU: Extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. Strong emphasis on academics, extracurricular involvement, and proof of interest.
GMU: Less competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 89%, though selective on cybersecurity, computer science, and law majors.
Research Impact & Facilities
GWU: An R1 research university with best programs in policy, health sciences, international affairs, law, and business. Its strategic position allows students to intern at Capitol Hill, the White House, World Bank, and IMF.
GMU: Also R1 classified, has strengths in cybersecurity, data science, economics, public policy, and IT. The presence of D.C. nearby offers access to government contracting, federal agencies, and tech companies in Northern Virginia.
Cost & Financial Aid
GWU: Private, and thus ~USD $65,000/year tuition, one of the highest in the nation. GWU, however, has highly generous merit scholarships and need-based aid.
GMU: Public school, less expensive with in-state tuition ~USD $13,500/year and out-of-state ~USD $37,000/year. Grants scholarships, particularly to Virginia residents.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
GWU: Alumni excel in politics, diplomacy, law, media, and business. Numerous graduates serve in the federal government, international NGOs, and multinational corporations. Alumni include politicians, ambassadors, and U.S. government leaders.
GMU: Reputed for excellence in cybersecurity, IT, law, and public policy. Numerous graduates find employment in tech companies, defense contractors, and metro area government agencies