by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a GMU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how GMU measures up.
GMU is ranked #1,458 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Virginia, it ranks #27 of 81 for value.
Among the majors GMU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution | #4 of 9 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #4 of 9 |
| Critical Infrastructure Protection | #5 of 11 |
| General Systems Engineering | #7 of 12 |
| Systems Engineering | #7 of 12 |
| Engineering | #7 of 12 |
| Hospitality / Tourism | #8 of 18 |
| Tourism and Travel Services Management | #8 of 18 |
| Mathematics & Computer Science | #8 of 16 |
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics & Special Effects | #16 of 65 |
Below is the detailed GMU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
George Mason University is ranked #7 out of #92 in Virginia for quality and #27 out of #81 for Virginia value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the GMU financial aid page to be sure.
George Mason University is ranked #1,458 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, George Mason University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at GMU costs about $22,038. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $88,150 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $28,764 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $17,915 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $22,038 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,150 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about GMU net price and the factors that affect it.
What GMU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a GMU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $115,056 | — | — |
| All Students | $88,150 | #1,458 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $71,660 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $115,056 | — | — |
| All Students | $88,150 | #27 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $71,660 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at GMU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $12,197 |
| $30K–$48K | $13,383 |
| $48K–$75K | $16,296 |
| $75K–$110K | $20,394 |
| Over $110K | $25,247 |
About 62% of GMU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $11,628 per year. Get more details on the GMU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average GMU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.