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George Mason University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as GMU
George Mason University accepts 87% of applicants. It is a public university in Fairfax, Virginia, with about 27,752 undergraduates. The sticker price is $30,472 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $14,697.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for GMU?
Most Virginia residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.4 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into George Mason University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1245, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Virginia resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 53% Target | 25% Reach |
| 2.7 | 53% Target | 25% Reach |
| 3.0 | 61% Target | 32% Target |
| 3.3 | 80% Target | 54% Target |
| 3.5 | 88% Likely | 69% Target |
| 3.7 | 93% Likely | 80% Likely |
| 3.9 | 96% Likely | 88% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 91% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at George Mason University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $30,472 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $9,600 | $30,800 |
| $50k – $100k | $11,300 | $32,600 |
| $100k – $150k | $16,100 | $37,400 |
| $150k – $250k | $25,800 | $47,000 |
| Over $250k | $28,200 | $49,400 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about George Mason University
What is the acceptance rate at George Mason University?
George Mason University admits 87% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into George Mason University?
Most Virginia residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.4 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for George Mason University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1160–1360 on the SAT and 25–30 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does George Mason University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $30,472 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $14,697 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $9,600 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at George Mason University?
66% of students finish their degree, and 86% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA · admits 93%
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg, VA · admits 72%
- Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA · admits 55%
- University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE · admits 87%
- Boise State UniversityBoise, ID · admits 87%
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair, NJ · admits 88%