This article provides a comprehensive comparison between Georgetown University and George Mason University. These two institutions, located in the Washington, D.C. area, offer students a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities. We will be examining various aspects of each school, such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus environment, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Georgetown Overview
Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is a private, research-based institution located in Washington, D.C. It is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States. Georgetown has a strong focus on liberal arts education and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including international relations, law, business, and medicine.
Georgetown Costs & Tuition
The tuition and fees for Georgetown University for the 2021-2022 academic year are $58,503 for undergraduate students. This cost does not include additional expenses for room, board, books, and other fees, which can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $76,280 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Georgetown Admissions
Georgetown University is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 15.4% for the fall 2020 admission cycle. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1370-1530, while the ACT scores range from 31-35. Georgetown utilizes a holistic review process, considering factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
Georgetown Degrees Offered
Georgetown offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its nine schools, such as Georgetown College, the School of Foreign Service, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, the McDonough School of Business, and the Law Center. Undergraduate students can choose from over 48 majors and minors, while graduate students have various options for master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
Georgetown Academics
Georgetown is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and emphasis on research. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support from professors. Georgetown also offers study abroad programs and opportunities for internships, which allow students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
Georgetown Diversity
Georgetown is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. In fall 2020, the undergraduate student body consisted of 45.4% white, 12% Hispanic, 10.6% Asian, and 6.4% Black students. The university has implemented various initiatives and resources to support underrepresented students, such as the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access and the LGBTQ Resource Center.
Georgetown Students
Georgetown has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 7,513 students and a graduate enrollment of around 10,893 students. Students come from all 50 states and more than 130 countries. Campus life is active and vibrant, with over 250 student-run clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities.
Georgetown Campus
The Georgetown campus covers 104 acres in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. The campus features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, with notable buildings such as Healy Hall and the recently constructed Thompson Athletic Center. Georgetown is known for its beautiful campus, which includes picturesque green spaces, scenic views of the Potomac River, and easy access to the cultural, political, and social resources of the nation’s capital.
Georgetown Alumni
Notable Georgetown alumni include former U.S. President Bill Clinton, journalist Maria Shriver, and actor Bradley Cooper. The university maintains a strong alumni network, offering resources, events, and networking opportunities for graduates.
Georgetown Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Georgetown ranks #23 in National Universities and #27 in Best Value Schools for 2021. The university also ranks highly in various graduate program rankings, including #14 for its Law School and #15 for its Business School.
Georgetown Outcomes
Georgetown boasts a strong record of post-graduation success, with 94% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Georgetown graduates is $61,000, according to Payscale.
Mason Overview
George Mason University, founded in 1957, is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia. It is the largest public university in the state, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, information technology, business, and the social sciences.
Mason Costs & Tuition
The tuition and fees for George Mason University for the 2021-2022 academic year are $13,014 for in-state undergraduate students and $37,410 for out-of-state undergraduate students. Additional expenses for room, board, books, and other fees can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $26,886 for in-state students and $51,282 for out-of-state students per year. Financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Mason Admissions
George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 87% for the fall 2020 admission cycle. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1120-1330, while the ACT scores range from 24-30. Like Georgetown, Mason considers a variety of factors in its holistic admission process, including academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
Mason Degrees Offered
Mason offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its 10 colleges and schools, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Volgenau School of Engineering, the School of Business, and the College of Health and Human Services. Students can choose from over 200 degree programs across various fields of study.
Mason Academics
Mason is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, offering students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences, internships, and study abroad programs. The student-faculty ratio at Mason is 17:1, allowing for personalized attention from professors.
Mason Diversity
George Mason University is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. In fall 2020, the undergraduate student body consisted of 39% white, 23% Hispanic, 16% Asian, and 12% Black students. Mason offers resources and support for underrepresented students, such as the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education.
Mason Students
Mason has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 27,728 students and a graduate enrollment of around 11,728 students. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with more than 500 student-run clubs and organizations, including Greek life.
Mason Campus
The George Mason campus spans over 677 acres in Fairfax, with additional campuses in Arlington, Manassas, and South Korea. The campus features modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Fenwick Library and the Recreation and Athletic Complex.
Mason Alumni
Notable Mason alumni include NBA player Luke Hancock, author Angie Thomas, and actress Diane Neal. The university provides resources and networking opportunities for alumni through its alumni association.
Mason Rankings
George Mason University is ranked #153 in National Universities and #108 in Best Value Schools by the U.S. News & World Report for 2021. Additionally, Mason ranks #50 in Top Public Schools and #83 in Best Colleges for Veterans.
Mason Outcomes
According to George Mason University, 87% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Mason graduates is $57,000, according to Payscale.
Georgetown vs Mason Cost Comparison
Comparing the costs of attendance for Georgetown and Mason, it is evident that Georgetown is significantly more expensive, with a total cost of around $76,280 per year compared to Mason’s $26,886 for in-state students and $51,282 for out-of-state students. However, it is important to consider the difference in the quality of education, reputation, and resources provided by each institution.
Georgetown vs Mason Admissions Difficulty
Georgetown is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of 15.4%, making it much more difficult to gain admission compared to Mason’s 87% acceptance rate. Additionally, Georgetown has higher average test scores for admitted students. Prospective students should consider their academic qualifications and the competitiveness of each school when deciding where to apply.
Georgetown vs Mason Academic Difficulty
Both Georgetown and Mason are known for their rigorous academic programs and emphasis on research. However, Georgetown is generally considered to have a more prestigious reputation and higher rankings for its undergraduate and graduate programs. The student-faculty ratio at Georgetown is 11:1, compared to Mason’s 17:1, indicating that Georgetown students may have more opportunity for personalized attention and support from professors.
Georgetown vs Mason Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates from both Georgetown and Mason are generally positive, with high employment rates and average starting salaries. Georgetown graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary of $61,000 compared to Mason’s $57,000. The overall post-graduation success of students from either institution will largely depend on factors such as the individual’s major, internship and work experience, and networking opportunities.
In conclusion, both Georgetown University and George Mason University offer valuable educational experiences for their students. Prospective students should carefully consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic offerings, and outcomes when choosing between these two institutions.
