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James Madison University and George Mason University are both public institutions — James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA and George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Harrisonburg, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 71.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 20,888
Tuition: $31,604/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 79.7%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Communication
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Harrisonburg, VA with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Fairfax, VA · Public
Acceptance rate: 87.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 27,752
Tuition: $38,688/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Computer science, Security and law enforcement
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Fairfax, VA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Computer science.
| Factor | James Madison University | George Mason University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 71.5% | 87.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1170–1340 |
| 1160–1360 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 24–29 | 25–30 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 20,888 | 27,752 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,604/year | $38,688/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,322 | $17,915 |
| Graduation rate | 79.7% | 67.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $69,954 | $76,343 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Harrisonburg, VA | Fairfax, VA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Communication | Business and marketing, Computer science, Security and law enforcement |
James Madison University is more selective (71.5% vs 87.5% acceptance rate). George Mason University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,915 vs $23,322). James Madison University reports the higher graduation rate (79.7% vs 67.8%). George Mason University is the larger undergraduate campus (27,752 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between James Madison University and George Mason University
James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 71.5%; George Mason University is around 87.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
James Madison University tuition is $31,604/year. George Mason University is $38,688/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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