Mason vs KSU Introduction
When choosing a college, prospective students must consider various factors, such as location, cost, admissions, academics, and campus life. This comparison article will examine the similarities and differences between George Mason University (Mason) and Kennesaw State University (KSU). Each section will provide a thorough analysis of the important aspects of both institutions, ultimately guiding students in making an informed decision.
Mason Overview
George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a renowned public research institution offering a vast range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1972, Mason boasts a diverse student body, renowned faculty, and a strong commitment to innovation and research. The university is known for its excellent academic programs, on-campus resources, and strong emphasis on community engagement.
Mason Costs & Tuition
Tuition fees at Mason vary based on factors such as the student’s state of residence, the program chosen, and whether they are enrolled full-time or part-time. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $13,014 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $37,410. Room and board costs are estimated at $12,156 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students.
Mason Admissions
Admission to Mason is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 87%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The university also considers factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and community involvement in the admissions process.
Mason Degrees Offered
Mason offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Psychology. The university also provides numerous research opportunities and internships for students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
Mason Academics
Mason is known for its high-quality academic offerings and faculty. The student-faculty ratio at the university is 17:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention from their professors. The university also boasts a 71% six-year graduation rate and a 29% four-year graduation rate, highlighting its commitment to student success.
Mason Diversity
Mason prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive institution. Approximately 45% of the student body identifies as an ethnic or racial minority, and students come from over 130 countries. The university also offers various support services and resources to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
Mason Students
Mason has a total enrollment of over 39,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to engage in. This creates a strong sense of community and helps students form lasting connections.
Mason Campus
Mason’s campus spans 677 acres in Fairfax, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research laboratories, and recreational spaces. Students also have access to various on-campus services, such as dining options, a library, and a health center.
Mason Alumni
Mason boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates finding success in various fields, such as business, government, and education. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate James M. Buchanan and former United States Attorney General Edwin Meese III.
Mason Rankings
Mason is consistently ranked highly by various national publications, such as U.S. News & World Report. The university is currently ranked #153 in National Universities and #76 in Top Public Schools.
Mason Outcomes
Graduates of Mason have a strong track record of success in their careers. The university reports a 73% placement rate for undergraduate students within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $51,000.
KSU Overview
Kennesaw State University, located in Kennesaw, Georgia, is a comprehensive public institution offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1963, KSU is known for its commitment to student success, innovative academic programs, and strong community engagement. The university’s diverse student body and campus life contribute to a rich educational experience for its students.
KSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at KSU are based on factors such as student residency status, program choice, and enrollment status. In-state undergraduate students can expect to pay around $7,334 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $21,634. Room and board costs are estimated at $10,814 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students.
KSU Admissions
Admissions at KSU are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 75%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The university also takes into account factors such as extracurricular activities and leadership experience in the admissions process.
KSU Degrees Offered
KSU offers over 150 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Popular majors at the university include Business, Education, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Engineering. The university also offers numerous research and internship opportunities for students to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
KSU Academics
KSU is known for its strong academic programs and faculty. The student-faculty ratio at the university is 22:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. KSU boasts a 43% six-year graduation rate and a 15% four-year graduation rate, reflecting its commitment to helping students succeed academically.
KSU Diversity
KSU is a diverse and inclusive institution, with approximately 38% of the student body identifying as an ethnic or racial minority. The university offers various resources and support services to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
KSU Students
KSU has a total enrollment of over 41,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The university provides a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in, fostering a strong sense of community and helping students form lasting connections.
KSU Campus
KSU’s campus is spread across 588 acres in Kennesaw, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. The campus features modern facilities, including cutting-edge classrooms, research laboratories, and recreational spaces. Students also have access to various on-campus services, such as dining options, a library, and a health center.
KSU Alumni
KSU boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates finding success in various fields, such as business, education, and government. Notable alumni include Georgia State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and former NFL player Darryl Clack.
KSU Rankings
KSU is consistently ranked highly by various national publications, such as U.S. News & World Report. The university is currently ranked #293-#381 in National Universities and #139-#176 in Top Public Schools.
KSU Outcomes
Graduates of KSU have a strong track record of success in their careers. The university reports a 73% placement rate for undergraduate students within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $41,200.
Mason vs KSU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Mason and KSU, it is essential to consider factors such as tuition, fees, and room and board. In-state undergraduate students at Mason can expect to pay around $13,014 in tuition and fees, while at KSU, in-state students will pay approximately $7,334. For out-of-state students, Mason’s tuition and fees are $37,410, compared to KSU’s $21,634.
Room and board costs are comparable at both institutions, with Mason’s estimated cost being $12,156 and KSU’s being $10,814. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both universities to help offset these costs.
Mason vs KSU Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Mason and KSU are moderately competitive. Mason has an acceptance rate of approximately 87%, while KSU’s acceptance rate is around 75%. Both universities require high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation as part of their admissions process. Additionally, factors such as extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and community involvement are considered during the application review.
Mason vs KSU Academic Difficulty
Both Mason and KSU are known for their strong academic programs and faculty. Mason has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, while KSU’s ratio is 22:1. This suggests that students at Mason may receive more individualized attention from their professors than those at KSU, potentially impacting the academic difficulty of the institutions.
Mason has a 71% six-year graduation rate and a 29% four-year graduation rate, while KSU has a 43% six-year graduation rate and a 15% four-year graduation rate. These figures may indicate that students at Mason are more likely to complete their degree programs on time than those at KSU, suggesting a higher level of academic challenge and support at Mason.
Mason vs KSU Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Mason and KSU have strong employment outcomes, with placement rates of 73% for undergraduate students within six months of graduation at both institutions. However, Mason graduates report an average starting salary of $51,000, compared to KSU graduates’ average starting salary of $41,200.
This difference in starting salary may suggest that Mason graduates are more successful in securing higher-paying jobs or that the university’s location near Washington, D.C., provides greater access to higher-paying job markets.
