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.
Quite diverse across all factors, George Mason University is ranked #81 nationwide.
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 which means it is well above average nationally.
Explore Ethnic Diversity at GMU
When available, the chart below will display ethnic diversity among the faculty at GMU.
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 male to female student ratio is far higher than the national average of about 40:60 with a student body that 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 faculty, as well as students.
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. GMU's rating of #589 puts it above the national average.
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
Analyze the age distribution of GMU undergraduates with the following bar chart.
Questions About Diversity
- Is GMU attracting and supporting learners from all income backgrounds?
Schools with otherwise excellent racial and ethnic diversity still may not be diverse when it comes to other factors, such as financial backgrounds. Get a better idea of how GMU supports low-income students by visiting 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.
