George Mason University's published cost of attendance totals $26,972 per year, including $13,815 in-state tuition, $15,151 for room and board, and $1,278 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $39,397, raising total costs substantially.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,972 |
| Tuition and Fees | $39,397 |
| Room and Board | $15,151 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,278 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,685 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,287 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,197 |
| $30–48k | $13,383 |
| $48–75k | $16,296 |
| $75–110k | $20,394 |
| $110k+ | $25,247 |
George Mason University's published cost of attendance totals $26,972 per year, including $13,815 in-state tuition, $15,151 for room and board, and $1,278 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher tuition of $39,397, raising total costs substantially. However, the average student pays just $18,287 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,685 from the published price.
George Mason's net price of $18,287 runs $2,697 higher than the peer median of $15,590, indicating above-average costs compared to similar public research universities. The university's financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by income level, with the most substantial support directed toward lower-income families. Net price ranges from $12,197 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,247 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive aid targeting.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
George Mason University graduates carry median debt of $19,500, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but well within manageable ranges given strong earnings outcomes. Student debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,750 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate borrowing variation across the student population.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 remains favorable, meaning typical monthly payments represent reasonable percentages of graduate income. George Mason's debt performance ranks at the 72.0th percentile nationally in the above-average tier, reflecting controlled borrowing relative to institutional outcomes.
Parent PLUS loans carry median debt of $23,051 with monthly payments of $304, representing additional family financial commitments beyond student borrowing. The combination of moderate student debt with exceptional earnings of $76,343 creates sustainable repayment conditions, supporting George Mason's strong mobility outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
George Mason University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled borrowing and superior earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $16,207 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 92.0th percentile for earnings uplift in the excellent tier.
Median earnings of $76,343 exceed peer institutional medians by $15,800, providing substantial long-term income advantages that justify higher educational costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 remains manageable despite net prices running $2,697 above peer medians, indicating favorable repayment conditions.
George Mason's return on investment ranks at the 95.0th percentile in the excellent tier, reflecting the university's ability to convert educational investment into sustained economic advancement. The investment case strengthens when considering George Mason's success with diverse student populations, including 29.5% Pell-eligible and 30.0% first-generation students who achieve exceptional mobility outcomes.
George Mason University serves 29.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds, though below the levels at community colleges or open-access institutions. The $8,685 average financial aid savings brings published costs down significantly from the $26,972 sticker price.
Net prices demonstrate progressive targeting, with families under $30,000 paying just $12,197 while those over $110,000 pay $25,247. This aid structure aligns with George Mason's mission as an Opportunity Builders institution, providing meaningful access to lower-income students while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to full cost.
The financial aid effectiveness supports George Mason's exceptional mobility outcomes, enabling students from diverse economic backgrounds to access education leading to median earnings of $76,343. The combination of aid targeting and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for economic advancement, particularly for the nearly 30% of students who receive Pell grants and benefit from the lowest net price tier.
