Chances of Getting Into George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia • Public University • #120 National • Founded 1972
Mason Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Mason SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia's largest public university, located just outside Washington, D.C. in Fairfax. Mason has rapidly risen in prominence, driven by its top-ranked cybersecurity program, proximity to government agencies and defense contractors, and a diverse student body representing over 130 countries. It's the go-to school for D.C.-area careers.
Top Programs
What Makes Mason Unique
- Located 20 minutes from Washington, D.C. — unmatched internship access in government and policy
- Top-ranked cybersecurity and information technology programs
- Most diverse university in Virginia — students from 130+ countries
- Three Nobel Prize-winning economists on faculty
- Rapidly growing research enterprise with $200M+ in annual research expenditures
Mason Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Mason Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Mason: Admission Tips
Mason has a high acceptance rate but competitive programs like CS and cybersecurity are selective
Apply Early Action (November 1) for priority scholarship consideration
Mason is test-optional — strong GPA and course rigor can carry your application
Highlight any D.C.-area internship or career goals in your essays
Honors College is competitive and provides a small-school experience within a large university
The Brutal Truth About Mason Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 89% acceptance rate, Mason rejected over 3,190 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Mason, having a 3.55 GPA and 1210 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Mason doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Mason genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 89%-acceptance-rate basket.
Mason Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at George Mason University?
George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 89% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 29,000+ applicants, approximately 5,000 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Mason?
The average GPA of admitted students at George Mason University is 3.55. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.40, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Mason?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Mason students is 1110-1310. The average SAT score is 1210. For ACT, the range is 23-29 with an average of 26.
Is Mason hard to get into?
Yes, George Mason University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 89%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Mason cost?
Tuition at George Mason University is $12,462 per year, with total cost of attendance at $28,500. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $10,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Mason?
Your chances of getting into George Mason University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 89% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Mason
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