Making a decision about which university to attend can be a challenging and exciting experience. In this article, we will compare and contrast two universities – Mason (George Mason University) and FIU (Florida International University) – to help you make an informed decision. We will discuss each school’s overview, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Mason Overview
George Mason University, commonly referred to as Mason, is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia. Established in 1957, Mason has grown to become the largest public university in the state, with an enrollment of over 37,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on research and innovation.
Mason Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending Mason varies depending on factors such as residency, degree level, and program. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are $13,014, while out-of-state undergraduate students pay $37,410. Additionally, the estimated cost of room and board is $12,420, bringing the total estimated cost for in-state students to $25,434 and out-of-state students to $49,830. It is worth noting that financial aid options are available for eligible students.
Mason Admissions
Mason uses a holistic approach to evaluate applicants, considering factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal essays. For fall 2021, the average high school GPA of admitted students was 3.86, and the average SAT score was 1220. Mason has an acceptance rate of approximately 87%, making it a moderately selective institution.
Mason Degrees Offered
Mason offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across ten colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors at Mason include Business, Health Professions, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Engineering. The university also offers online programs and continuing education options for non-traditional students.
Mason Academics
Mason’s commitment to providing a high-quality education is reflected in its small class sizes and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. The university employs over 1,400 full-time faculty, with 75% holding the highest degree in their fields. Mason also boasts several research centers and institutes, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines.
Mason Diversity
Mason prides itself on its diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and 130 countries. The university has a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, offering numerous resources and programs to support students from different backgrounds.
Mason Students
Mason’s student population consists of over 37,000 students, with approximately 26,000 undergraduate students and 11,000 graduate students. The university offers over 300 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and build lasting connections.
Mason Campus
Mason’s main campus is situated on 677 acres in the scenic city of Fairfax, Virginia, just 15 miles from Washington, D.C. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. In addition to the main campus, Mason operates three other campuses in Virginia and an international campus in Songdo, South Korea.
Mason Alumni
Mason has a network of over 200,000 alumni worldwide, working in various industries and sectors. Notable alumni include journalist Hoda Kotb, NBA player Luke Hancock, and former NASA astronaut Leland Melvin.
Mason Rankings
Mason is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Mason is ranked #143 in National Universities and #71 in Top Public Schools.
Mason Outcomes
Mason graduates enjoy strong career prospects, with 93% of alumni employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Mason graduates is $55,200, according to Payscale.
FIU Overview
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. Established in 1965, FIU has quickly become one of the largest universities in the United States, with an enrollment of over 58,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across 11 colleges and schools.
FIU Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending FIU varies depending on factors such as residency, degree level, and program. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students are $6,565, while out-of-state undergraduate students pay $18,963. Additionally, the estimated cost of room and board is $10,996, bringing the total estimated cost for in-state students to $17,561 and out-of-state students to $29,959. It is worth noting that financial aid options are available for eligible students.
FIU Admissions
FIU evaluates applicants based on factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, and personal statements. For fall 2021, the average high school GPA of admitted students was 4.1 (weighted), and the average SAT score was 1280. FIU has an acceptance rate of approximately 58%, making it a moderately selective institution.
FIU Degrees Offered
FIU offers more than 190 degree programs across its 11 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors at FIU include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences. The university also offers online programs and continuing education options for non-traditional students.
FIU Academics
FIU’s commitment to providing a high-quality education is reflected in its small class sizes and a student-faculty ratio of 26:1. The university employs over 1,400 full-time faculty, with a majority holding the highest degree in their fields. FIU also has several research centers and institutes, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research across various disciplines.
FIU Diversity
FIU has a diverse student body, with students representing over 140 countries and all 50 states. The university has a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, offering numerous resources and programs to support students from different backgrounds.
FIU Students
FIU’s student population consists of over 58,000 students, with approximately 49,000 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate students. The university offers over 300 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and build lasting connections.
FIU Campus
FIU’s main campus, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, is situated on 342 acres in Miami, Florida. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational spaces. In addition to the main campus, FIU operates the Biscayne Bay Campus in North Miami and several satellite locations throughout South Florida.
FIU Alumni
FIU has a network of over 215,000 alumni worldwide, working in various industries and sectors. Notable alumni include journalist Carlos Curbelo, NASA astronaut Serena Auñón-Chancellor, and actor Andy Garcia.
FIU Rankings
FIU is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, FIU is ranked #187 in National Universities and #105 in Top Public Schools.
FIU Outcome
FIU graduates enjoy strong career prospects, with 89% of alumni employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for FIU graduates is $42,800, according to Payscale.
Mason vs FIU: Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attending Mason and FIU, it is evident that FIU has a lower overall cost for both in-state and out-of-state students. In-state undergraduate students at FIU can expect to pay an estimated $17,561 per year, which includes tuition, fees, and room and board. This is significantly lower than the estimated $25,434 per year for in-state undergraduate students at Mason.
For out-of-state undergraduate students, FIU’s estimated cost of attendance is $29,959 per year, while Mason’s estimated cost is $49,830 per year. This significant difference in cost is important to consider when making a decision about which university to attend.
Mason vs FIU: Admissions Difficulty
Both Mason and FIU have moderately selective admissions processes. Mason has an acceptance rate of approximately 87%, while FIU’s acceptance rate is 58%. The average high school GPA of admitted students at Mason is slightly lower at 3.86, compared to 4.1 (weighted) at FIU. Additionally, the average SAT score for admitted students at Mason is 1220, while at FIU, it is 1280. Based on these factors, it can be concluded that FIU has a slightly more competitive admissions process than Mason.
Mason vs FIU: Academic Difficulty
Both Mason and FIU are known for offering rigorous academic programs and a strong commitment to research. However, their student-faculty ratios differ, with Mason having a ratio of 17:1 and FIU having a ratio of 26:1. This suggests that Mason offers a more personalized learning experience, with smaller class sizes and more opportunities for individualized attention from faculty members. However, both universities have highly qualified faculty and strong research opportunities, so students at either institution can expect a high-quality education.
Mason vs FIU: Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes for graduates of Mason and FIU, there are some differences worth noting. Mason has a slightly higher employment rate for alumni, with 93% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, compared to 89% for FIU. Additionally, the average starting salary for Mason graduates is $55,200, while the average starting salary for FIU graduates is $42,800.
Overall, it appears that Mason may offer slightly better career outcomes for graduates compared to FIU. However, it is essential to consider factors such as personal goals, academic interests, and fit when making a decision about which university to a
