George Mason University vs George Washington University

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

Overview Comparison
George Mason UniversityGeorge Washington University
Collegedunia Score4.7 Out of 105.1 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
ProgramsUG Programs -101
PG Programs -75
Doctorate Programs -1
UG Programs -71
PG Programs -67
Acceptance Rate88.8 %44.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-110
IELTS-7
PTE-67
SAT-1100
TOEFL-88
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1280
TOEFL-99
Cost to StudyAverage 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: 

  • Masters in Science : $120,000 
  • Bachelor of Science :  $75,000 
  • Master (Other) : $74,000 
  • Masters of Arts : $70,000 
  • Bachelor of Arts : $64,000 

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. ...
Certified official, original transcripts from all secondary schools as well as official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken
Official scores from exams like SAT/ACT/GMAT/GRE

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit scores of standardized tests

Submit English language proficiency

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews7.5/10 Read 10 reviews6.7/10 Read 9 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

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 scoresDuolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 67/90TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 110/160GRE - 314/340IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -58363Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -54632
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesAug 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)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsGeorge Mason UniversityGeorge Washington University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1949
1821
Student:Faculty Ratio17:1
12:1
Male:Female50% Male, 50% Female40% 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
  • George Mason University has state-of-the-art libraries: the Fenwick Library on the Fairfax campus; the Mason Square Library and Law Library in Arlington; and the Mercer Library on the Manassas campus. 
  • Students, faculty and staff have access to books and materials from all five Mason library locations, as well as libraries at other universities across the region or throughout the world. 
  • If the item you need is in one of Mason's libraries or one of the Washington Research Library Consortium member libraries (American, Catholic, Gallaudet, George Washington, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount or University of the District of Columbia), it can be delivered to your local Mason library in 24 to 48 hours. 

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
  • The university has 500+ Clubs. More than 1,000s of Events are held on campus for the students. 
  • Convenience and selection are a winning combination at the official George Mason University bookstore.
  • Don't let the name fool you; it's more than a place to buy, rent, and sell textbooks.
  • You'll find unique gifts, school supplies, computers, electronics, décor, and everything you need to be dressed head-to-toe in Patriot Pride. University physicians and nurse practitioners provide easily accessible health care in a comforting and confidential environment.
  • University provides various sporting opportunirties starting with 22 men’s and women’s NCAA Division I athletic teams, part of the elite Atlantic 10 Conference.
  • Paint your face green and gold and cheer until you’re hoarse at a men’s basketball game at the Patriot Center. There are also plenty of opportunities to play on a team through intramural and club sports.

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
  • Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, President of Puntland and Prime Minister of Somalia
  • Bryon Allen (born 1992), basketball player for Hapoel Eilat of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • Anousheh Ansari, Iranian-American engineer, co-founder of Prodea Systems and the first Muslim woman in space
  • Justin Bour, former Major League Baseball player
  • Callie Brownson, American football coach[

Derek Curtis Bok, President of Harvard University
John T. Wilson, President of the University of Chicago
William Lyne Wilson, President of Washington and Lee University

Lee Kun-Hee, Chairman of Samsung Group
Kathy J. Warden, President & CEO of Northrop Grumman
Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy
Donna Hrinak, President of Boeing Latin America


City Life
  • Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, the City of Fairfax is a quaint commuter suburb home to about 24,000 residents
  • With excellent schools, beautiful parks, and thriving economy, Fairfax is often cited as one of the best places to live in northern Virginia.
  • Residents enjoy the slower pace of the suburbs without going too far from D.C. Fairfax City is a six-square-mile jurisdiction located just 20 minutes southwest of Washington, D.C. and just outside the 495-Beltway.
  • Dulles International Airport is a 35-minute drive away, providing quick access to a major international transportation hub, while daily metro commuters can catch the Orange Line via nearby Vienna station or the Virginia Railway Express train at the Burke Centre station. Metrobus also operates in Fairfax City. 
  • Given its great location and quality of life, the Fairfax City cost of living is 56% higher than the national average.
  • However, the Fairfax county cost of living  is in line with most cities in Northern Virginia. The cost of living in Alexandria, Arlington and Washington, D.C. are also 56% higher than the national average.

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
Comparison Notes

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