L.L.M from George Mason University [GMU VIRGINIA], Fairfax - Fees & Admission Details 2026
George Mason University is a public university in Fairfax, Virginia, USA. It operates across 10 colleges and schools covering a wide range of academic disciplines like business, engineering, and forensic science. George Mason University is popular for programs in computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, and business. It is one of the largest universities in Virginia by student enrollment, as per the university portal.
- UG tuition fees start from $35,388 (₹33.27 Lakhs) per year
- Graduate tuition fees range from $37,200–$45,576 (₹34.98–₹42.86 Lakhs) per year
- Mandatory student fees of $3,924 (₹3.69 Lakhs) apply to all full-time students
- Total estimated annual cost for undergraduate students is around $39,312 (₹36.96 Lakhs)
- Total estimated annual cost for graduate students ranges from $41,124–$49,500 (₹38.67–₹46.54 Lakhs)
An automatic merit-based scholarship is available for a limited number of qualified international UG applicants with no separate application required. Graduate students have the option of assistantships, with no major scholarship available for international graduate students. Monthly cost of living is estimated at approximately $1,480–$2,290 (₹1.39–₹2.15 Lakhs), depending on housing choice
Note: All currency conversions are done as per $1 = ₹94.03, as of April 2026.
Explore the guide to study in the USA for international students
George Mason University Popular Courses, Fees and Duration 2026
At George Mason University, graduate tuition fees are estimated based on 9 credits per semester. Undergraduate fees are based on full-time status of 12–15 credits per semester and are charged annually. The Advanced Practice or placement option, where available, extends the programme by one additional year.
Total tuition fees at George Mason University:
- For postgraduate students: $37,200–$45,576 (₹34.98–₹42.86 Lakhs) per year, excluding student fees
- For undergraduate students: $35,388 (₹33.27 Lakhs) per year, excluding student fees.
- A mandatory student fee of $3,924 (₹3.7 Lakhs) is added to the tuition fee to get the total outcome.
Refer to the table below for popular courses, their duration, location, and fees:
| Course | Duration | Tuition Fee (USD) | Total (USD)(tuition + student fee) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 1–2 years | $37,200 | $41,124 | ₹38.67 Lakhs |
| MS Data Analytics Engineering | 1–2 years | $37,200 | $41,124 | ₹38.67 Lakhs |
| MS Civil & Infrastructure Engineering | 1–2 years | $37,200 | $41,124 | ₹38.67 Lakhs |
| MBA | 1–2 years | $45,576 | $49,500 | ₹46.54 Lakhs |
| MS Forensic Science | 1–2 years | ~$40,000 | ~$43,924 | ~₹41.30 Lakhs |
| BS Psychology | 3–4 years | $35,388/year | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year |
| BS Computer Science | 3–4 years | $35,388/year | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year |
| BS Cyber Security Engineering | 3–4 years | $35,388/year | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year |
| BS Economics | 3–4 years | $35,388/year | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year |
| BA Criminology, Law and Society | 3–4 years | $35,388/year | $39,312/year | ₹36.96 Lakhs/year |
How to Pay Fees at George Mason University?
International students at George Mason University complete all tuition and fee payments through the Student Accounts Office using the Student Accounts portal or Patriot Web. Payments can be made online via Flywire (recommended for international transfers), TransferMate, or credit/debit cards.
A mandatory, non-refundable enrollment deposit of $250 (₹23,508) must be paid through the university’s deposit portal to secure admission. To obtain an I-20 for a US student visa, students must submit a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) along with financial documents and a passport copy.
At the time of registration, a one-time new student fee applies:
- $350 (₹32,911) for freshmen, and
- $60 (₹5,642) for graduate students.
- A $125 (₹11,754) late registration fee is charged if enrolment is completed after the deadline.
Health insurance is mandatory for F-1 and J-1 visa holders and is deducted before tuition allocation. Non-compliance may result in class cancellation.
Note: Cash payments are not the standard method. All payments are processed via the university's official online portal. Students should contact the Student Accounts Office for instalment plan options.
Learn about the admissions process to study at George Mason University
George Mason University Cost of Living 2026
George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia, part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The region is considered one of the more expensive areas in the United States, with housing being the largest expense for most students. On-campus accommodation costs approximately $16,156 (₹15.19 Lakhs) per year for undergraduate students, inclusive of food.
As per the university, the estimated annual cost of living at George Mason University for off-campus students is $17,772–$27,484 (₹16.71–₹25.84 Lakhs) for housing alone. Students living on campus benefit from access to free public transportation via the Mason Shuttles system and Fairfax City's CUE Bus system.
For one full academic year (Fall + Spring semesters, approximately 9 months), the cost of living at George Mason University is:
- For graduate students: $38,122 (₹35.84 Lakhs)
- For undergraduate students: $21,146 (₹19.88 Lakhs)
Refer below for the detailed breakdown of the estimated yearly cost of living at George Mason University:
| Expense | UG On-Campus (USD) | UG On-Campus (INR) | PG Off-Campus (USD) | PG Off-Campus (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing & Food | $16,156 | ₹15.19 Lakhs | $27,484 | ₹25.84 Lakhs |
| Transportation | $1,340 | ₹1,26,000 | $2,985 | ₹2,80,680 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,360 | ₹2,21,911 | $6,363 | ₹5,98,291 |
| Books | $1,290 | ₹1,21,299 | $1,290 | ₹1,21,299 |
| Total Annual Estimate | $21,146 | ₹19.88 Lakhs | $38,122 | ₹35.84 Lakhs |
Note: On-campus housing costs are based on an average of the Traditional Double and Suite Double rooms. Costs vary by residence hall and meal plan selection. Several courses carry additional lab or course fees; students should check with the Student Accounts Office.
Check out the cost of studying in the US for Indian students
George Mason University Scholarships 2026
George Mason University offers merit-based scholarships to a limited number of highly qualified international undergraduate students. All admitted applicants are automatically considered.
There is no separate scholarship application. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years for freshmen, subject to maintaining good academic standing. As per the university, 65% of George Mason students receive some form of financial aid.
| Scholarship / Aid Type | Value | Level | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship (UG) | Varies, notified in the acceptance letter | UG |
Automatic consideration for all qualified international students on an F-1 visa. Holistic review with GPA and test scores is the primary criterion |
| Graduate Assistantship – Research (GRA) |
$20,079–$26,772/year (₹18.88–₹25.17 Lakhs) |
PG |
Students participating in research under faculty supervision |
| Graduate Assistantship – Teaching (GTA) |
$20,079–$26,772/year (₹18.88–₹25.17 Lakhs) |
PG | Students acting as instructors under faculty supervision |
| Graduate Assistantship – Professional (GPA) |
$20,079–$26,772/year (₹18.88–₹25.17 Lakhs) |
PG | Non-teaching, non-research positions connected to the student's field of study |
Note:
- Graduate Assistantship opportunities are posted on Mason Jobs, Handshake, and individual academic department pages.
- Students can also contact their programme directors directly for assistantship information.
- Full-time assistantships require 20 hours of work per week during the academic year.
Read more about the external scholarships available for Indian students in the US
George Mason University Return on Investment 2026
George Mason University's location in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area places students within direct reach of federal agencies, technology companies, defence contractors, and international organizations. These are among the university's top recruiters.
This regional advantage significantly strengthens graduate employment outcomes and long-term ROI. As per George Mason University's Career Services and the US Department of Education College Scorecard, the median annual earnings for graduates are approximately $70,000 (₹65.82 Lakhs) per year.
The employment rate stands at approximately 85%, with over 75% of graduates working in roles directly related to their degree field.
| Time After Enrolment | Median Annual Earnings (USD) | Median Annual Earnings (INR) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 years | $60,536 | ₹56.93 Lakhs | US Dept. of Education College Scorecard |
| 10 years | $76,343 | ₹71.79 Lakhs | College Scorecard |
| Overall median | $70,000 | ₹65.82 Lakhs | GMU Career Services Report |
Check out the budgeting tips to study in the US
Top-earning programs at George Mason include Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Business Analytics, where graduates report median salaries above $90,000 (₹84.63 Lakhs) per year.
Top recruiters include Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, INOVA Health System, NASA, World Bank Group, and US Government agencies. The university's Career Services Centre supports students through resume workshops, career fairs, and internship placements via Handshake and Mason Career Link.
For Indian students, the total investment includes tuition and living costs. The cost of attendance for a 2-year graduate program is approximately $158,000–$175,000 (₹1.49–₹1.65 Crore). At median graduate salaries of $70,000 per year, students can expect to recover their investment within 3–4 years of graduation. It is assumed with stable employment in the US or a return to India in a senior capacity.
Check out the George Mason University Rankings 2026
George Mason University offers UG programs at $39,312/year (₹36.96 Lakhs) and PG programs from $41,124–$49,500 (₹38.67–₹46.54 Lakhs) per year. Monthly living costs vary significantly based on housing choice, with annual estimates ranging from $21,146–$38,122 (₹19.88–₹35.84 Lakhs).
Merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships worth up to $26,772/year (₹25.17 Lakhs) are available to reduce the overall financial burden. With an 85% graduate employment rate, median salaries of $70,000 (₹65.82 Lakhs) per year, George Mason University presents a strong long-term return on investment for Indian students.
Popular Programs and Important Dates
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Computer Science 2 years | Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | |
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | ||
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | ||
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | ||
MBA 2 years | Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Sep 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Nov 2026) | USD 45,576 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | |
MPH 2 years | Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Dec 2026) Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Mar 2027) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | |
MS Forensics Science 2 years | Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | - |
MS Electrical Engineering 2 years | Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | - |
Final Application Deadline for Fall Intake (1st Jun 2026) Application Deadline for Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) Final Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 | - | |
MS Health Informatics 2 years | Application Deadline for Spring Intake (1st Nov 2026) | USD 41,124 /Yr | 75 | Bachelor degree, TOEFL: 5, IELTS: 7 |
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George Mason University Reviews
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10 Reviews Found
Likes
- George Mason offers students a variety of career resources, including career fairs, professional development opportunities, career preparation courses, and job placement support.
- Among all public and private universities, George Mason is ranked 109th by U.S. News, 76th by the Wall Street Journal (up from 95th), and 91st by Washington Monthly.
- GMU is famous for its variety of program offerings, especially in the fields of public policy, business, law, and science. The university is renowned for its research output and innovative teaching methods..
Dislikes
- Some classes can be rather large, depending on the strength of the class and the time, which may not be perfect for people wanting a more intimate learning atmosphere.
- Campus life at GMU may be less vibrant than at schools with a more residential concentration due to the large number of commuter students.
- The cost per credit is very high. Where it becomes 50 - 60K dollars for master student for two years.
Course Curriculum
-
The difficulty level is quite hard in computer science. It is mix of both practical and theoretical. But mostly it will be practical assignments.
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The positive thing is the courses are very well structured and the negative part is the faculties will be from different countries and there will be a communication problem with them. And we won't be understanding some terms they speak.
Fees
- In my time, it is around 1,500 dollar per credit. So nearly it goes to 16k dollars per semester with all the things including health insurance and other stuff. But when paying for spring semester it goes to 17k dollar because of health insurance. So, while paying fees for the spring semester, the health insurance for summer will also be counted. For that reason, it is slightly incremented for spring semester.
- The fees is totally credit-based and you have to take at least 9 credits per semester. Each credit costs 1500 dollar. sot 3 credits is equal to nearly 5k dollars where 9 credits is equal to nearly 15k dollars.
- For me, i was living off campus, so for me it is around 600- 700 dollars per month including everything(rent, utilities, food). For transportation, there are no issues, we have free public transportation(buses) which are very frequent.
Likes
- The teachers are very helpful and cooperative if we have any doubts.
- It has various sports to take place in like cricket, basketball etc.
- It has many restaurants like Sodexo and cafes like Starbucks.
Dislikes
- The college fee is quite high compared to other colleges.
- The buildings are far away from each other and takes lot of time to go from one class to other.
- The timings for our course is in the evenings so it is a bit uncomfartable.
- The process of searching for accommodation can be done by getting added to a WhatsApp group where there will be postings of apartments available. The challenges faced are getting into the right group and selecting an apartment through virtual photos.
- There can be no recommendations useful if in off-campus accommodations. For on-campus, there is a separate website for that but the cost is a little bit high.
Likes
- The various clubs which provide learning through playing
- The huge canteen options according to taste.
- The sports which are free to access for GMU students
Dislikes
- It is very big which makes it difficult to go to different classes
- Sometimes assignments of some subjects will be 3-4 per week and submission within a week
- It is a very big process to complete any work with college
- As I am staying off campus, I have joined a WhatsApp group that posts accommodation availability. There is a web page for college accommodation, which is usually costly. Challenges faced are finding the correct accommodation by only seeing the pictures of the apartment. There are no recommendations for off-campus accommodation.
Likes
- Diverse Community, more research opportunities
- Active campus life and, supportive peers
- Knowledgeable faculty and mentorship opportunities
Dislikes
- Administrative process and parking issues
- Commuter experience and event participation
- Variable success rate and internship competition
Course Curriculum
No.of credits required to complete the course is 30 credits, they teach us and guide us regarding internships and projects and practical experiences integrated into the curriculum by providing a strong foundation regarding your field.
Fees
The program fees may vary which depends on the course chosen and the yearly fees is around 30k $. Students can avail loans and personal fundings. Students can pay the fees in term wise also as known as installments method.
Course Curriculum
my opinion on the course curriculum and academics is that it’s very rigorous and requires a lot of time commitment but it’s very updated and relevant to what we will be learning in the real world when I take up a job after university. I have not been given any industry exposure or research experience as of yet.
Fees
The total tuition fees of my program are $8000 per semester and $16,000 per year.
Likes
- Professor are really friendly and understanding. College environment is diverse and lively. Various facilities and student support services like Gyms, Mason Shuttles, Patriot Pantry etc. Great location - close to Downtown DC, which is like good for exploring and also for job opportunities.
- It has a very good Data Analytics Program and relatively better job opportunities compared to other universities. Geographically good location to explore.
Dislikes
- Limited part time opportunities. High tuition fee and cost of living. Weather is hard to get used to, too cold in winters and too hot in summers. Very limited scholarship opportunities. Not a diverse environment for masters students.
Course Curriculum
Couse curriculum is very flexible with many concentrations. One of the main reasons I chose Mason is because of the concentrations and subjects they are providing us with.
Fees
Approximately 17k$ per semester.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum is very updated. I’ve had classes integrate interesting discussions about social media and new technologies, BLM movement, social injustices. I’ve also had to completely projects interviewing people in positions of power or people in professions of my choice to gain more exposure to diverse perspectives or advice.
Fees
I believe my tuition is around $65k a year.
Course Curriculum
It's good for now. Programming intensive. The faculty are very knowledgeable. The coursework is also well-prepared. The classes and logistics are well organized for most of the courses.
Fees
$1,500 per credit (need 30 credits for Master's).
Course Curriculum
It was very updated and there is a lot of research happening at my college.
Fees
$46,000USD
Course Curriculum
I like it so far. It's not the best but that's mainly because it's the classes I'm not too interested in currently. Once I get through my required courses and move into the more major focused courses I'll enjoy them more.
Fees
They charge per number of credit hours so as long as you have at least 12 credits you're charged as a full-time student.
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