Look beyond the university name
George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., the university is named in honor of George Mason, a Founding Father of the United States.
| Location | Fairfax, Virginia, United States |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Institution type | University |
| Total students | 38,541 |
| Faculty & staff | 5,734 |
| Research works (OpenAlex) | 87,330 |
| Total citations | 3,545,974 |
| President | Gregory Washington |
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
What can you study at George Mason University?
Academics Academic rankings National Forbes 91 U.S. News & World Report 109 Washington Monthly 61 WSJ /College Pulse 71 Global ARWU 201–300 QS 951–1000 THE 401–500 U.S. News & World Report 503 (tie) Mason offers undergraduate, graduate master's, law, and doctoral degrees with an emphasis on combining modern practice-based professional education with a comprehensive traditional liberal arts curriculum. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1; 58 percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students and 30 percent of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 students. News & World Report ranked George Mason tied at #109 out of 436 National Universities, tied at #52 in Top Public Schools, #156 in Best Value Schools, tied at #98 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs at schools where doctorate not offered, tied at #114 in Nursing, tied at #93 in Economics, tied at #20 in Co-ops/Internships, tied at #70 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #25 in Most Innovative Schools, and tied at #82 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Undergraduate admissions In 2024, the university accepted 90% of its undergraduate applicants, and did not consider high school class rank or require standardized test scores for admission. Those admitted had an average 3.68 high school GPA . For those submitting scores the average student had an SAT score of 1250 (38% submitting scores) or an average ACT score of 28 (3% submitting scores).
Research strengths (by indexed output): Economic Theory and Institutions, Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies, Legal and Constitutional Studies, Climate variability and models, Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics.
For the complete programme catalogue with entry requirements per degree, check the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Know your admission route
Undergraduate admissions In 2024, the university accepted 90% of its undergraduate applicants, and did not consider high school class rank or require standardized test scores for admission. Those admitted had an average 3.68 high school GPA . For those submitting scores the average student had an SAT score of 1250 (38% submitting scores) or an average ACT score of 28 (3% submitting scores). ^ "George Mason University Admission Requirements" .
Always verify current deadlines on the official website — third-party sites may carry outdated dates.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Tuition & costs
Tuition fees change each academic year and differ by programme, study level (undergraduate/graduate) and residency status. JournalsWorld does not publish estimated figures that may be outdated.
Check the university's official tuition & fees page for the current schedule applicable to your intake.
Official source: Official website ↗
Research at George Mason University
According to OpenAlex, George Mason University has 87,330 indexed research works with 3,545,974 total citations.
News & World Report ranked George Mason tied at #109 out of 436 National Universities, tied at #52 in Top Public Schools, #156 in Best Value Schools, tied at #98 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs at schools where doctorate not offered, tied at #114 in Nursing, tied at #93 in Economics, tied at #20 in Co-ops/Internships, tied at #70 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #25 in Most Innovative Schools, and tied at #82 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Most-cited affiliated researchers
- Kathryn H. Jacobsen — 21,017 citations
- Ravi S. Sandhu — 8,455 citations
- Roy Frederick Baumeister — 6,661 citations
- Angie Luzio Boone — 6,661 citations
- Kirk Borne — 6,012 citations
Source: OpenAlex (most-cited affiliated authors)
Official source: Official website ↗
Who leads George Mason University?
The current President is Gregory Washington.
Gregory Nathaniel Washington is an American mechanical engineer currently serving as the 8th president of George Mason University in Northern Virginia since July 2020. He previously served as dean of engineering at the University of California, Irvine from August 2011 to July 2020.
Official source: Official website ↗
Campus & student life
Student life and community relations Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023 Race and ethnicity Total White 33% Asian 24% Hispanic 17% Black 12% Two or more races 6% International student 5% Unknown 3% Economic diversity Low-income 30% Affluent 70% Traditions Benches painted by students outside the Fenwick Library Students have often decorated the George Mason statue on the Fairfax campus for events. Some have rubbed the statue toe to bring good luck. Many pose with the statue for graduation photographs. Between 1988 and 1990 Anthony Maiello wrote the original George Mason Fight Song , which was edited by Michael Nickens in 2009. Each spring, student organizations at Mason compete to paint one of the 38 benches located on the Quad in front of Fenwick Library. For years, student organizations have painted those benches that line the walkway to gain recognition for their group.
For housing options, campus facilities and student services, see the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Contact George Mason University
Official website: https://www.gmu.edu/ ↗
For admissions enquiries, department contacts and phone numbers, use the official contact page.
Official source: Official website ↗
Frequently asked questions
When was George Mason University founded?
George Mason University was founded in 1957.
How many students attend?
Approximately 38,541 students.
What are the admission requirements?
Requirements vary by programme. Check the admission section above and verify on the official website.
How much is tuition?
Tuition changes yearly. See the official tuition page for current figures.
Who is the president?
Gregory Washington.