Why Diversity Should Matter to You
What do we mean when we talk about diversity in college?
Broadly speaking, diversity is the word we use to describe a mixture of people and ideas, and the traditions, belief systems and cultures that come with them.
With all of this in mind, what does 'diversity in college' mean?
When most students seek diversity on a college campus, what they are actually seeking are opportunities to express themselves and find community with others who believe the same way, as well as opportunities to learn from those from different cultures and backgrounds.
In order to achieve the most benefit from a diverse campus, seek out institutions that are not only promoting diversity by actively recruiting students and hiring faculty from minority groups, but are also promoting an environment where there is positive interaction between different groups.
Get Started Learning About Diversity at GMU, and how it is Similar to Other Schools in the Nation.
This School has Superb Diversity Overall
We combine elements of ethnic, geographic, age and gender diversity to create a total diversity grade for every school.
Ranked #81 in the nation, George Mason University is considered extremely diverse.
Very High Ethnic Diversity
Many young people value the ability to meet and learn from different racial and ethnic groups, which is more likely to happen at a diverse school such as this one.
George Mason University is ranked #123 in ethnic diversity nationwide with a student body composition that is far above the national average.
Explore Ethnic Diversity at GMU
When available, the chart below explores ethnic diversity among the undergraduate students at GMU.
GMU boasts excellent ethnic diversity.
The ethnic diversity of the faculty is above average.
Good Balance of Male and Female Students
If you feel more comfortable on a campus with a relatively equal balance of males and females, this may be the school for you.
At George Mason University, the disparity between men and women on campus is far lower than the national average. The undergraduate student body at GMU is equally balanced.
This university is ranked at #167 in male to female diversity nationwide. The undergraduate population is comprised of 11,246 males and 11,820 females.
Explore Male/Female Diversity at GMU
If available, the chart below includes the male to female distribution among GMU's undergraduate students.
The male to female ratio at GMU is excellent.
If available, the chart below includes the male to female distribution among GMU's faculty.
The ratio of male to female faculty at GMU is excellent.
Higher Than Average Chance your Roommate Will be From Another State
Would you prefer a school that attracts students from all across the U.S.? If so this may be the school for you.
We took a look at where each of the school's admitted students lived before attending to come up with the geographic diversity grade.
About 80.2% of the students attending George Mason University come from within Virginia. This places GMU's level of geographic diversity above the national average and gives it a national geographic diversity ranking of #589.
Research Nationwide Geographic Diversity
The undergraduate student body is split among 44 states (may include Washington D.C.), as shown in the chart below.
Presence of International Students at GMU
There is a medium sized community of about 2,462 international students at George Mason University representing at least 49 countries. Go to the GMU International Student Page for more information.
What is the Age Diversity of the Students?
Would you prefer a school where the student body represents a blend of different ages and generations, or would you prefer a school where most students are the same age as you?
The "traditional" college student is thought to be between the ages of 18-22. At George Mason University, 37.6% of students are in the age 18 to 22 bracket, compared to the national average of 60%. We rank GMU #662 in the nation for student age diversity.
GMU Age Diversity Chart
The chart below displays the age range of the undergraduate student body at GMU.
Questions About Diversity
- Is GMU attracting and supporting learners from all income backgrounds?
Even a school with high racial, ethnic and geographic diversity may not be diverse when it comes to the financial backgrounds of their students. To get a better idea of how GMU is supporting low-income students check the Financial Aid Page.
- Is Diversity Important to GMU?
Contact the school to find out what they are doing to stimulate diversity, and what student groups, clubs and associations are available that encourage varied perspectives on campus.
