When considering attending a university, prospective students often compare various factors of different schools to determine the best fit for their educational needs and goals. In this comparison, we will examine George Mason University (Mason) and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in terms of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. This comprehensive analysis will provide a better understanding of what each institution has to offer and help students make an informed decision.

Mason Overview

George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a public research university that was founded in 1972. Mason is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and academics, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a student population of over 38,000, the university is committed to providing quality education, engaging students in research, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Mason Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance for Mason in the 2021-2022 academic year is $33,536 for in-state students and $54,630 for out-of-state students. These figures include tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses. Financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, are available for eligible students to help offset the cost of their education at Mason.

Mason Admissions

For the Fall 2021 semester, Mason had an acceptance rate of 83%, making it a moderately selective institution. Applicants are required to submit either SAT or ACT scores, with the average scores for admitted students being 1170 for the SAT and 25 for the ACT. High school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular involvement are also taken into consideration during the admissions process.

Mason Degrees Offered

Mason offers over 200-degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, across ten colleges and schools. Some of the most popular areas of study at Mason include business, engineering, health sciences, computer and information sciences, and social sciences.

Mason Academics

The student-faculty ratio at Mason is 17:1, allowing for personalized attention and a more engaged learning experience. With over 1,300 full-time faculty members, 94% of whom hold a doctorate or the highest degree in their respective fields, students can expect to receive high-quality education from experts in their disciplines.

Mason Diversity

Mason prides itself on being one of the most diverse universities in the United States. Over 130 countries are represented in the student body, with 44% of the undergraduate population identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. Additionally, Mason offers various cultural and diversity-based programs, resources, and student organizations on campus.

Mason Students

Mason has a total enrollment of over 38,000 students, with more than 26,000 undergraduate students and approximately 12,000 graduate students. The university has a 40% male and 60% female student body, with a majority of students coming from Virginia and surrounding states.

Mason Campus

The 677-acre campus of Mason is situated in Fairfax, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., providing students with access to numerous cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. With over 350 student organizations, an active Greek life, and numerous campus events, students have ample opportunities to get involved, develop leadership skills, and foster meaningful connections.

Mason Alumni

Mason boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals who have found success in various fields, including business, government, and the arts. Some notable alumni include Emmy Award-winning actress Sandra Oh, former U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa, and former NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman.

Mason Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Mason is ranked #153 in National Universities, #71 in Top Public Schools, and #142 in Best Value Schools for 2021.

Mason Outcomes

Mason graduates have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 71% and an employment rate of 93% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for a Mason graduate is $55,000 per year.

Ole Miss Overview

The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. Established in 1848, Ole Miss is the flagship university of the state and has a long history of academic excellence and tradition. With a student population of over 22,000, Ole Miss offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research, innovation, and community engagement.

Ole Miss Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance for Ole Miss in the 2021-2022 academic year is $25,964 for in-state students and $42,544 for out-of-state students. These figures include tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses. Financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, are available for eligible students to help offset the cost of their education at Ole Miss.

Ole Miss Admissions

Ole Miss has an acceptance rate of 88% for the Fall 2021 semester, making it a moderately selective institution. Applicants are required to submit either SAT or ACT scores, with the average scores for admitted students being 1150 for the SAT and 25 for the ACT. High school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular involvement are also taken into consideration during the admissions process.

Ole Miss Degrees Offered

Ole Miss offers over 100 undergraduate degrees and 75 graduate programs across nine colleges and schools. Some of the most popular areas of study include business, education, health professions, journalism, and liberal arts.

Ole Miss Academics

The student-faculty ratio at Ole Miss is 18:1, with an average class size of 29 students. The university has over 900 full-time faculty members, most of whom hold a doctorate or the highest degree in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education from experts in their disciplines.

Ole Miss Diversity

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, with 25% of the undergraduate population identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. The university offers numerous cultural and diversity-based programs, resources, and student organizations on campus.

Ole Miss Students

Ole Miss has a total enrollment of over 22,000 students, with approximately 18,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students. The university has a 44% male and 56% female student body, with students coming from all 50 states and over 90 countries.

Ole Miss Campus

The 3,500-acre campus of Ole Miss is located in the charming town of Oxford, Mississippi, known for its vibrant arts scene and historical landmarks. With over 300 student organizations, a strong Greek life, and numerous campus events, students have ample opportunities to get involved, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections.

Ole Miss Alumni

Ole Miss has a proud alumni network of over 145,000 individuals who have found success in various fields, including business, government, and the arts. Some notable alumni include author John Grisham, NFL player Eli Manning, and former U.S. Senator Thad Cochran.

Ole Miss Rankings

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Ole Miss is ranked #160 in National Universities, #80 in Top Public Schools, and #141 in Best Value Schools for 2021.

Ole Miss Outcomes

Ole Miss graduates have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 65% and an employment rate of 91% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for an Ole Miss graduate is $47,000 per year.

Mason vs Ole Miss Cost Comparison

When comparing the costs and tuition for Mason and Ole Miss, it is essential to consider the cost of attendance for both in-state and out-of-state students. For in-state students, Mason is more expensive, with an estimated cost of attendance of $33,536, compared to Ole Miss at $25,964. For out-of-state students, Mason is also more expensive, with an estimated cost of attendance of $54,630, compared to Ole Miss at $42,544.

However, it is essential to remember that financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, are available for eligible students to help offset the cost of their education at both institutions.

Mason vs Ole Miss Admissions Difficulty

Both Mason and Ole Miss have similar acceptance rates and standardized test score averages, indicating a similar level of difficulty in gaining admission to either institution. With an acceptance rate of 83% for Mason and 88% for Ole Miss, both universities are considered moderately selective.

The average SAT scores for admitted students are 1170 for Mason and 1150 for Ole Miss, while the average ACT scores are 25 for both schools. Additionally, both universities take high school GPA, class rank, and extracurricular involvement into consideration during the admissions process.

Mason vs Ole Miss Academic Difficulty

Academic difficulty can be subjective and depends on the individual student’s strengths and interests. However, both Mason and Ole Miss offer a wide range of degree programs and boast experienced faculty members with advanced degrees in their respective fields.

The student-faculty ratios for both universities are comparable, with Mason at 17:1 and Ole Miss at 18:1, allowing for personalized attention and an engaging learning experience. While academic difficulty may vary depending on the specific program and major, both universities are known for their commitment to high-quality education and research.

Mason vs Ole Miss Outcome Comparison

When comparing outcomes for graduates of Mason and Ole Miss, both universities have strong track records of success. Mason has a slightly higher six-year graduation rate of 71% compared to Ole Miss at 65%. Additionally, Mason graduates have a higher employment rate of 93% within six months of graduation, compared to 91% for Ole Miss graduates.

The average starting salary for a Mason graduate is $55,000 per year, while the average starting salary for an Ole Miss graduate is $47,000 per year. While individual outcomes will vary depending on the specific field and career path, both universities have alumni networks that have found success in various industries and professions.