When deciding on a university, prospective students often compare various factors to determine the best fit for their academic and personal needs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between UNC Charlotte and Mason, covering topics such as tuition, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. By examining each school in detail, you’ll gain a better understanding of what each institution has to offer and which may be the right choice for your higher education journey.
UNC Charlotte Overview
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, commonly known as UNC Charlotte, is a public research university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1946, the university has grown to encompass seven colleges and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
UNC Charlotte Costs & Tuition
Tuition for in-state undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte is approximately $6,905 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $20,287. Additional expenses such as room and board, books, and fees may also apply.
UNC Charlotte Admissions
UNC Charlotte has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of about 67%. Successful applicants generally have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of 22 or higher.
UNC Charlotte Degrees Offered
The university offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs across its seven colleges, including liberal arts and sciences, engineering, computing and informatics, education, and business.
UNC Charlotte Academics
UNC Charlotte is known for its strong engineering and computer science programs, as well as its business school. The university also has a robust research focus and encourages undergraduate students to participate in research opportunities.
UNC Charlotte Diversity
The university has a diverse student body, with over 29,000 students representing 49 states and more than 100 countries. The campus offers numerous resources and programs to promote inclusivity, such as multicultural resource centers and student organizations.
UNC Charlotte Students
Students at UNC Charlotte enjoy a wide range of extracurricular activities, with more than 400 student-run organizations and clubs, as well as a thriving Greek life community and a variety of intramural and club sports.
UNC Charlotte Campus
UNC Charlotte’s campus spans over 1,000 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, recreation centers, and residence halls. The campus is located in a bustling metropolitan area, providing students with access to internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences.
UNC Charlotte Alumni
Notable alumni of UNC Charlotte include business leaders, politicians, and athletes. Some of these distinguished graduates include Clay Aiken, singer and former Congressional candidate; Chris Cole, professional skateboarder; and Cedric Maxwell, former NBA player and current radio analyst for the Boston Celtics.
UNC Charlotte Rankings
UNC Charlotte is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university at No. 227 in National Universities and No. 121 in Top Public Schools.
UNC Charlotte Outcomes
The university has a strong focus on career preparation, with 92% of graduates employed or engaged in further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UNC Charlotte graduates is $44,000.
Mason Overview
Originally founded in 1957, George Mason University, or simply Mason, is a public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia. The university offers more than 200 degree programs across its 10 colleges and schools, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
Mason Costs & Tuition
Tuition for in-state undergraduate students at Mason is approximately $12,564 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $36,024. Additional expenses such as room and board, books, and fees may also apply.
Mason Admissions
Mason has an acceptance rate of about 81%, making admission somewhat less competitive than UNC Charlotte. Successful applicants generally have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of 23 or higher.
Mason Degrees Offered
The university offers a wide variety of degree programs, including those in engineering, information technology, business, humanities, social sciences, and health sciences.
Mason Academics
Mason is particularly noted for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, public policy, and economics. The university’s faculty includes several Nobel laureates, and it encourages students to engage in research and experiential learning opportunities.
Mason Diversity
Mason has a diverse student body, with over 38,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment and offers numerous resources and programs to support its diverse student population.
Mason Students
Students at Mason can participate in more than 500 student-run organizations, clubs, and intramural sports. The university also has a vibrant Greek life community and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities on campus.
Mason Campus
Mason’s campus spans over 800 acres and features modern facilities, including research centers, libraries, recreation centers, and residence halls. The campus is located in a suburban area just outside of Washington, D.C., providing students with access to internships, job opportunities, and cultural experiences.
Mason Alumni
Notable alumni of Mason include business leaders, politicians, and athletes. Some of these distinguished graduates include Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer; Katie Couric, former anchor of CBS Evening News; and Ángel Cabrera, former President of George Mason University and current President of Georgia Tech.
Mason Rankings
Mason is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university at No. 153 in National Universities and No. 67 in Top Public Schools.
Mason Outcomes
Mason’s focus on career preparation and experiential learning leads to strong outcomes for graduates, with 92% of alumni employed or engaged in further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Mason graduates is $50,000.
UNC Charlotte vs Mason Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UNC Charlotte and Mason, it’s essential to consider factors such as tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. In-state students will find that tuition is significantly lower at UNC Charlotte ($6,905) than at Mason ($12,564). Out-of-state students will also find lower tuition rates at UNC Charlotte ($20,287) compared to Mason ($36,024). However, living expenses may vary depending on the location, so it’s crucial to weigh the full range of costs before making a decision.
UNC Charlotte vs Mason Admissions Difficulty
Mason has a higher acceptance rate (81%) compared to UNC Charlotte (67%), indicating that it may be easier to gain admission to Mason. However, both universities require a strong academic profile, with applicants typically having a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of 22 or higher for UNC Charlotte and 23 or higher for Mason.
UNC Charlotte vs Mason Academic Difficulty
Both UNC Charlotte and Mason have rigorous academic programs, with a strong focus on research and innovation. While the specific degree of academic difficulty may depend on the program and individual student experience, both universities are committed to providing a challenging and engaging learning environment.
UNC Charlotte vs Mason Outcome Comparison
The outcomes for graduates of both UNC Charlotte and Mason are quite similar, with 92% of alumni from both universities employed or engaged in further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UNC Charlotte graduates is slightly lower at $44,000 compared to Mason graduates at $50,000. Ultimately, the best choice between these two universities will depend on your specific academic and personal preferences, as well as factors such as location, campus environment, and financial considerations.
