4400 University Drive, MSN 2F2, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA


George Mason University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness recognized across higher education.
The university's individual programs also maintain specialized accreditations relevant to their fields. For example, its business programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, signaling adherence to rigorous standards in business education. Additionally, the engineering programs at George Mason University have received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, confirming that the curriculum meets the quality standards essential to engineering professions.
Such program-specific accreditations are important considerations for students who seek assurance that their chosen fields of study meet professional and industry benchmarks, facilitating licensure and employment opportunities after graduation.
George Mason University requires prospective students to have completed secondary education with a valid secondary school transcript and a minimum grade point average. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is also accepted in lieu of a high school diploma. Applicants must have completed a college program, and the university grants credit for Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.
English proficiency is mandatory, as demonstrated by a required TOEFL score. While submission of other standardized test scores is recommended, they are not strictly mandatory. The university does not follow an open admission policy, indicating selective admission standards.
The acceptance rate for George Mason University is high, at 89%, placing it in the top 25% for selectivity among comparable institutions. Standardized testing scores for admitted students reflect the university's competitive nature, with an average SAT score of 1245-ranking in the top 30% nationally-and an average ACT score of 28, which is within the top 25% percentile range.
George Mason University charges an application fee that varies depending on the type of applicant. Prospective undergraduate students typically pay a nonrefundable fee to submit their applications, which helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing each submission.
Fee waivers are available for applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria. These waivers aim to reduce barriers to application for students from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. To qualify, applicants often must provide documentation or be referred by designated programs that assist with fee waivers.
The university also offers fee exceptions for certain groups, such as members of the military or participants in specific outreach initiatives. In these cases, proof of status or affiliation is required at the time of application to ensure the waiver is granted appropriately.
Prospective students are encouraged to review the university's admissions guidelines carefully to understand the fee requirements and waiver options applicable to their particular situation.
George Mason University offers ROTC programs through a cooperative arrangement, meaning the university itself does not have its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Instead, students interested in pursuing ROTC activities participate via a cooperating host institution. This setup allows students to engage in ROTC training and education while enrolled at George Mason University, leveraging resources and instruction provided by a nearby host institution that operates an active ROTC program.
George Mason University welcomes transfer students for both the fall and spring terms, providing flexibility for those planning to continue their education outside the traditional freshman entry points. The university accepts transfer credits, which supports students in making the most of their prior academic work. Prospective transfer students can also have their CLEP (College Level Examination Program) General and Subject test credits considered for transfer, facilitating a potentially smoother and faster progression through their degree programs.
George Mason University offers a diverse range of study abroad programs designed to accommodate various academic interests and schedules. Students can participate in faculty-led programs, which provide structured, short-term international experiences often linked directly to their coursework. These opportunities typically last from a few weeks to a full semester, allowing immersive learning in different cultural settings while earning academic credit.
In addition to faculty-led options, the university supports semester-long exchange programs and affiliated university arrangements across multiple countries. These longer-term programs enable students to enroll directly at foreign institutions, broadening their academic and cultural horizons while continuing their degree progress. The university emphasizes flexibility, encouraging students to tailor their study abroad experiences according to their academic goals and personal circumstances.
George Mason University also provides preparatory resources and advising to assist students in selecting programs that align with their majors and career aspirations. The available programs cover a wide range of disciplines and destinations, allowing students to engage with global issues relevant to their fields of study.
Median composite SAT score
1245Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
19%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring