George Mason University

In 2022, tuition for full-time students at George Mason University was $9,795 a year for in-state students and $33,959 a year for out-of-state students.

On average, college tuition goes up about 3% every year.

If this information makes going to college feel scary, remember, the total cost of tuition isn't necessarily what you will have to pay to attend a school. Many students owe way less than the total tuition after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts are applied. And, student loans can make theprice of collegefeel more doable until you're done with college.

International students can expect to pay 33,959 per year for tuition at George Mason University.

George Mason University meets 56.7% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student at George Mason University is around $17,476 a year.

Graduates in the class of 2023 had an average of $31,190 in student loans per borrower.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at George Mason University

George Mason University is a public, state institution, which means it offers a reduced tuition rate of $9,795 for in-state students who attend full-time.Non-Virginia residents can expect to pay 33,959 per year for tuition.

Public schools receive funds from the state to help them cover costs. These institutions offer reduced tuition for students who are residents of that state.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state status can cut the cost of college tuition. Take the time to confirm your state's criteria for as an in-state resident. Each state has different requirements to qualify as in-state resident. In many states, students must have lived in the state for 12 months before starting school to qualify for in-state tuition. There may be additional requirements too, depending on the state you and your parents currently live in.

Explore other Virginia colleges

Is George Mason University's Tuition Different for International Students?

George Mason University has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at George Mason University can expect to pay around $33,959 per year, before any scholarships, grants or other financial aid.

Students from outside of the U.S. usually do not qualify for for loans or grants from the U.S. government, but should research private or school-specific aid and scholarships. International students with need may be eligible for the following types of financial support at George Mason University:

•Athletic Awards •George Mason University-specific scholarships

International students without financial need may be eligible for merit-based institutional scholarships and athletic awards.

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George Mason University Living Expenses, Fees, and More

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In addition to the cost of tuition, room and board, books, transportation and fees are also costs it consider when estimating the cost of attendance for college. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at George Mason University.

House and Food Costs at George Mason University

Room and board at George Mason University is $13,120 a year. This number includes the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, and a dining plan that enables you to eat all or some of your meals the school dining halls. Students who live off campus but still want to use the dining facilities can choose to be on a meal plan. The cost of board-only is $8,464.

Board costs may vary depending on the number of meals you intend to eat on-campus

Cost of Books at George Mason University

First-year students are sometimes surprised by how much books and supplies cost–and not in a good way. The actual cost of books depends on the courses you take and the textbooks, computer programs, or other materials are required.. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy used textbooks and materials.

Yearly Fees

The majority of colleges also have fees to help cover the cost of facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

Keep in mind, there could also be other costs associated with participating in certain activities, like Greek Life, or playing on an intramural sports team. Many schools offer resources for students with financial need to get help covering these fees.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation costs at George Mason University

The cost of transportation in college can really vary. Will you drive, fly, or take public transportation to school? Will you need to pay to park on-campus? Is the campus walkable? Do you own a car, or will you need to use busses, subways, or other modes of transportation? All of these factors can make a big difference in your estimated cost of transportation.

The location of a college or university can also have a big effect on the amount you'll have to spend just to get around. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand transportation in a city may be expensive, but cities may offer more buses, trains or low-cost flight options to actually get to school. George Mason Universityis located in a suburb in Virginia, not far from Washington and DC.

Other Costs

When you're planning for college, be sure to factor in personal expenses, like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.

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Financial Breakdown for George Mason University

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Now, let’s look at the breakdown of all expenses, to get a better estimate of the actual cost of attending George Mason University.

How Much Does George Mason University Cost?

What will the cost of attending George Mason University be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition	$9,795
Out-of-State Tuition	$33,959
Room and Board	$13,120
Board Only	$5,310
Other expenses	$2,236

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.

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George Mason University Financial Aid

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In 2023, 11,418 of the 27,203 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. George Mason University meets 56.7% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $17,476 a year. Around 53% of George Mason University undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. George Mason University graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $31,190 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans	$20,983
Private Loans	$43,260

Most Common Loans for George Mason University Students
Federal Loans	51%
Private loans	14%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on George Mason University financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at George Mason University

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, George Mason University awarded 10,329 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $91.5 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $37.81 million in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

George Mason University Net Cost

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for George Mason University students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at George Mason University was $17,476 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of George Mason University seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus	$-6,192
Net In-state, Off-campus	$6,588
Out-of-State, On-Campus	$35,448

Note: a negative number can indicate that a refund will be given to use toward other expenses such as housing, fees, and books. In such cases, be sure to reach out to the school directly for any clarification or questions.

What will attending George Mason University really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families get a better idea of the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the George Mason University's net cost calculator on their website.

George Mason University Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

George Mason University Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes offer tuition waivers to certain groups, to offset the cost of attending. Some colleges offer tuition waivers for employees and their family members, underrepresented students, or military students. Even with a tuition waiver, other expenses and fees are the responsibility of the student.

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

George Mason University's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

For more information about George Mason University's endowment, check with the school directly.

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Learn More About George Mason University

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Click below to find out more about the admissions requirements and deadlines, student life, academics, majors and more.

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Admissions

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