George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia · Public
George Mason University admitted 87% of 26,014 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1180–1360 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 69% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at George Mason University
Enter a score to see whether George Mason University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (87%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
George Mason University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- February 1, 2027
The application fee is $75, and George Mason University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check George Mason University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
George Mason University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
1,289 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 873 took it, and 415 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How George Mason University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Talent or ability
Considered
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Character
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Interview
- First generation
- Legacy
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.66 GPA. 23% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $33,748 in-state and $59,330 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $18,900 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
Quick answers
What is George Mason University’s acceptance rate?
George Mason University admitted 87% of applicants: 22,495 of 26,014 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is George Mason University’s early action deadline?
For 2026–27, early action is due November 1, 2026 and regular decision is due February 1, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for George Mason University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1180 to 1360, with a median around 1260. A score at or above 1260 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is George Mason University’s application fee?
The application fee is $75 for 2026–27, and George Mason University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Does George Mason University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, George Mason University asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one essay, up to 400 words. required if you apply score-optional). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
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