George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia, is the state’s largest public university, known for its research excellence. Founded in 1949, it offers diverse programs and global opportunities, attracting students from India and beyond. Currently, GMU has over 40,000 students from all 50 US states and 130 countries. This university ranks #1 in Virginia for the best value, internship, and upward mobility. Other notable George Mason University rankings include the following:
Known for Business, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Nursing, Psychology, and Law, GMU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees. On average, George Mason University tuition fee is 38,688 USD per year for undergraduate, 36,477 USD per year for graduate, and 40,984 USD per year for Law programs.
George Mason University offers over 130 master’s, doctoral, and professional programs, along with 100+ graduate certificates. Eight of its graduate programs are ranked the best in Virginia. Here are some of the popular courses and fees of George Mason University.
| Program | Annual Tuition Fees | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| BS Business | 38,688 USD | Fall Semester: Early Action: November 1, 2024 Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 Final: June 1, 2025 Spring Semester: Priority Deadline: October 1, 2025 |
| BS Computer Science | ||
| BA/ BS Economics | ||
| BS Cybersecurity Engineering | ||
| BS Nursing | ||
| BA/ BS Psychology |
| Program | Annual Tuition Fees | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| MS Biology | 36,477 USD | Fall: April 15, 2025 (Standard and Priority) Spring: November 1, 2025 (TBC) |
| MS Civil Engineering | Fall: March 15, 2025 | Spring: October 15, 2024 | |
| MS Computer Engineering | Fall: March 15, 2025 | Spring: October 15, 2024 | |
| MS Computer Science | Fall: March 15, 2025 Online Program: August 01, 2025 Spring: October 15, 2024 Online Program: May 01, 2025 | |
| MHA Healthcare System Management | Fall: April 01, 2025 Online Program: August 1, 2025 | |
| DNP Nursing Administration | Spring: November 01, 2024 (TBC) |
George Mason University acceptance rate is 91%. Indian students can apply to GMU in Fall and Spring intakes in USA. Aim to apply early for better admission chances. Below are the basic entry requirements for admission to George Mason University for international students.
| Parameters | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | Common App | GMU Online Application | GMU Online Application |
| George Mason University application fee | 80 USD | 75 USD |
| Academic Requirements | Certified high school diploma with a Grade of B | Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA |
| Test Scores | Optional SAT/ ACT scores | GRE/ GMAT (required for some courses) |
| ELP Scores | TOEFL iBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 88 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| Documents | 2 LORs | Essay or Personal Statement (250 words) | Resume | LOR | SOP | Essay |
Know More: Documents Required for UG and PG Admissions in USA
Check out the George Mason University admissions deadlines for different levels of admission.
| Study Level | Intake | Application Deadlines | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Fall (August Start) | November 1, 2024 | Non-Binding Early Action Deadline and Honors College Consideration |
| February 1, 2025 | Regular Decision Deadline | ||
| June 1, 2025 | Final | ||
| Spring (January start) | October 1, 2025 | Priority Application Deadline | |
| December 1, 2025 | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | ||
| Graduate | Fall | March 15-April 15, 2025 | Regular Programs |
| August 1, 2025 | Online Programs | ||
| Spring | October 15, 2025 | Regular Programs | |
| November 1, 2025 | Online Programs |
Fairfax is considered one of the richest neighborhoods in the USA, and the cost of living is on the higher side. Being an Indian student, you expect to pay around 15,000 to 25,000 USD for the annual cost of living. Here’s a structured breakdown of the estimated cost of living at George Mason University (GMU) for undergraduate and graduate students:
| Expense Category | On-Campus (UG) | Off-Campus (UG) | Living with Parents (UG) | Off-Campus (Graduate) | Living with Parents (Graduate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing & Food | 15,725 USD | 15,725 USD | 10,734 USD | 26,462 USD | 16,103 USD |
| Transportation | 1,329 USD | 2,903 USD | 2,903 USD | 2,903 USD | 2,903 USD |
| Personal Expenses | 2,338 USD | 6,188 USD | 2,338 USD | 6,188 USD | 2,338 USD |
| Books & Supplies | 1,288 USD | 1,288 USD | 1,288 USD | 1,288 USD | 1,288 USD |
| New Student Fees | 350 USD (Freshmen) / 275 USD (Transfers) | — | — | 60 USD (Graduate) | — |
Additional Notes:
George Mason University (GMU) offers several financial aid opportunities for international students:
Explore: Scholarships to Study in USA in 2025
George Mason University (GMU) demonstrates strong employment outcomes for its graduates. According to the university’s Career Plans Survey, 88% of 2023 graduates reported job success related to their career goals within 6 months, with a median salary of 74,000 USD.
The university’s Career Services department maintains relationships with numerous prominent employers, including Amazon, Deloitte, Google, and the U.S. Department of State, among others. Additionally, data from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning indicates that 82% of employed graduates are working in fields related to their academic major or career goals.
Salaries of a few job roles for GMU graduates are given below.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 92,941 USD |
| Data Scientist | 105,585 USD |
| Senior Software Engineer | 141,017 USD |
| Data Analyst | 67,524 USD |
| Management Consultant | 90,397 USD |
| Marketing Manager | 71,216 USD |

| Guides for Post-Study Work Opportunity in USA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Job Opportunities in USA | High Paying Jobs in USA | Popular Job Sectors in USA |
| Post-Study Work Visa in USA | US Work Visa Types | H1-B Visa for International Students in USA |
George Mason University Alumni Association offers career connections and professional networking, including several opportunities. The Mason alumni are strong and helpful, and they are easy to communicate with over LinkedIn. There are almost 200,000 Mason alumni spread across the globe.
| Alumni | Designation/ Achievement |
|---|---|
| Anousheh Ansari | American-Iranian engineer |
| Dayton Moore | American baseball manager |
| Hala Gorani | American journalist |
| Rhea Seehorn | American actress |
| Archie Kao | American actor |
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George Mason University (GMU) is Virginia’s largest public research university, with a 91% acceptance rate and 40,000+ students from 130+ countries. It ranks #52 among U.S. public universities and offers 200+ programs. Annual tuition is $38,688 (UG) and $36,477 (PG), with a living cost of $15,000–$25,000. International students can get merit-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
87% of graduates secure jobs or further studies within six months, with a $74,000 median salary. Top recruiters include Amazon, Deloitte, and Google, making GMU a strong choice for career-focused students.
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