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George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Freedom and Learning"

1949
Founded
Public research university
Type
27,083
Total Students
27,160
Undergrad
11,804
Graduate
$222M
Endowment
(2024)
$14K
Tuition (In-State)
$39K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
89%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
6-year
87%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About George Mason University

Virginia's largest public research university, pioneering innovation near D.C.

George Mason University (GMU) stands as Virginia's largest public university by enrollment, a dynamic hub of learning and discovery strategically located in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Born from a vision to serve working professionals, GMU has evolved into a comprehensive research powerhouse, recognized with an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" classification. It beautifully blends a traditional liberal arts curriculum with cutting-edge professional education, offering students a unique academic environment that is both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant.

With a vibrant main campus in Fairfax, GMU extends its reach through additional campuses in Arlington, Front Royal, Prince William, and even an international campus in Incheon, South Korea. This multi-campus approach provides diverse learning landscapes and opportunities, from engaging in advanced legal studies near the nation's capital to hands-on global conservation training in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. Students at George Mason benefit from a rich array of programs and a commuter-inclusive environment that fosters a strong sense of community and academic pursuit.

GMU's commitment to excellence is underscored by its distinguished faculty, including two Nobel Memorial Prize winners in Economics, James M. Buchanan and Vernon L. Smith, whose groundbreaking work has shaped global thought. The university’s growth story is one of ambition and impact, transforming from a University of Virginia extension center into an independent institution that consistently pushes boundaries. For prospective students seeking a top-tier education with unparalleled access to research, policy, and career opportunities in a bustling metropolitan area, George Mason University offers a compelling and enriching experience.

Key Highlights

  • Virginia's largest public university, with a student body of nearly 40,000.
  • Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Strategically located in Northern Virginia, offering unparalleled access to Washington, D.C.
  • Home to two Nobel Memorial Prize winners in Economics among its distinguished faculty.
  • Features multiple campuses, including an international campus in Incheon, South Korea, and a conservation campus in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
  • A proud member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, competing in NCAA Division I athletics.
  • Emphasizes combining modern professional education with a traditional liberal arts curriculum to prepare students for impactful careers.

Timeline

1949
Founded as a northern branch of the University of Virginia.
1959
Named George Mason College of the University of Virginia.
1972
Became an independent institution, George Mason University.
1979
Acquired the School of Law and Arlington Campus; became a doctoral institution.
1986
Professor James M. Buchanan awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
2002
Professor Vernon L. Smith awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
2006
Men's basketball team made an NCAA Final Four appearance.
2012
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation opened.
2013
Joined the Atlantic 10 Conference.
2020
Gregory Washington appointed as the university's first African-American president.
🏛️
77 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within George Mason University

🏫

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

A unique collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, dedicated to global conservation training at its Front Royal campus.

⚖️

Antonin Scalia Law School

A highly regarded law school with a focus on law and economics, known for its faculty and ties to prominent legal organizations.

🏛️

Schar School of Policy and Government

George Mason University's public policy and political science department, strategically located to leverage its proximity to Washington, D.C.

Leadership

James Soto Antony
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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