George Mason University maintains open access with an 88.8% admission rate, meaning approximately 9 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places George Mason well above the peer median admission rate of 78.1%, indicating significantly more accessible admission than typical four-year institutions. The university's Open Access classification (>75% admission rate) reflects its mission to serve diverse student populations while maintaining academic standards. This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students can expect admission, making George Mason an excellent option for students seeking strong outcomes without the uncertainty of highly selective admission processes. The high admission rate, combined with exceptional post-graduation outcomes, creates opportunities for students who might face rejection at more selective institutions but can achieve excellent economic mobility at George Mason. Students should view George Mason as a reliable admission option while recognizing that the university's value lies in its demonstrated ability to convert educational access into outstanding career outcomes. For students building balanced college lists, George Mason provides both admission security and exceptional long-term value, making it an ideal anchor institution for students prioritizing economic mobility over admission selectivity.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at George Mason University demonstrate strong academic preparation despite the institution's open-access admission policy. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1140-1340 on the SAT, with a median of 1247, ranking at the 96.0th percentile nationally for test score performance. SAT Math scores range from 560-670, while Verbal scores span 580-670, indicating balanced academic preparation across disciplines. ACT scores range from 25-30 with a median of 28, ranking at the 97.0th percentile nationally. These test scores significantly exceed the peer median SAT of 1198 by 49 points, demonstrating that George Mason attracts academically strong students despite its accessible admission standards. The combination of high admission rates with strong test scores indicates that many qualified students choose George Mason for its exceptional outcomes and value proposition rather than settling for admission. Students scoring within the 1140-1340 SAT range are academically competitive for admission and should expect to find peers with similar academic preparation. Those scoring below 1140 should consider whether their academic profile aligns with the enrolled student body, though the high admission rate means students outside this range may still gain admission. The strong academic preparation of the student body supports George Mason's exceptional post-graduation outcomes and suggests students benefit from learning alongside academically motivated peers.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
George Mason University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its mission to provide broad educational access while maintaining academic quality. The university enrolls 29.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant representation of students from lower-income families, though below the levels seen at community colleges or less selective public institutions. First-generation students comprise 30.0% of enrollment, demonstrating George Mason's role in expanding educational opportunity to families new to higher education. Transfer students represent 39.8% of enrollment, reflecting the university's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning their education elsewhere. This substantial transfer population indicates George Mason serves as a destination for students seeking to complete degrees after starting at community colleges or other institutions. The combination of strong academic preparation (96th percentile test scores) with meaningful representation of Pell-eligible and first-generation students suggests George Mason succeeds in attracting both academically strong students and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Prospective students from lower-income families should note the significant Pell-eligible representation when assessing institutional fit and available support systems. Transfer applicants should recognize the substantial transfer student population as evidence of George Mason's transfer-friendly policies and integration support.
Given George Mason's 88.8% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view admission as highly likely rather than a reach, making alternative planning less critical than at selective institutions.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at George Mason University demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes that exceed peer institutional performance. The freshman retention rate of 87.4% compares favorably to the peer median of 83.7%, indicating effective first-year support and student engagement systems. The six-year graduation rate of 69.3% exceeds the peer median of 65.9%, reflecting George Mason's success in supporting students through degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 75.0%, representing a 5.7 percentage point advantage over the overall graduation rate, suggesting particularly strong support systems for lower-income students. This positive Pell completion gap is unusual among institutions and indicates George Mason's effectiveness in serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. The higher completion rate for Pell students may reflect targeted support services, financial aid effectiveness, or program structures that particularly benefit first-generation and lower-income populations. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems designed to promote persistence and completion, particularly if they qualify for need-based financial aid. The strong retention and completion rates, combined with the positive Pell completion gap, suggest George Mason has developed effective practices for supporting student success across diverse populations, contributing to its exceptional mobility outcomes.
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