George Mason University is a US-based public research university known for reformative fields like the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, elite cybersecurity and economics. George Mason University ranks:
#117 in National Universities,
#57 in Top Public Schools,
#191 in Best Value Schools, and
#951-1000 in World University Ranking 2026
Mason courses consist of various UG and PG courses provided through the university's 10 colleges and schools covering academic areas like Business, Economics, Computing, Education, etc. George Mason University has low selectivity, where every 77 out of 100 students can get admission. It is one of the least competitive universities in the world.
George Mason University Acceptance Rate 2026
In the 2026 intake, the no. UG applications received by George Mason University have increased by around 2000 students. The number of students admitted has decreased by around 400 students. The acceptance rate has decreased from the previous year. The GMU acceptance rate is currently around 77.8%, making the admission criteria relatively more selective than in past years. Check the enrollment stats below-
|
Particulars
|
Class of 2029
|
Class of 2030
|
|
Student Applications
|
26,014
|
28,364
|
|
Students Admitted
|
22,495
|
22,074
|
|
Acceptance Rate
|
86.4%
|
77.8%
|
Is George Mason Hard to Get into?
With an acceptance rate of 77.8%, George Mason can be one of the top welcoming universities worldwide. The admission process of George Mason University is less selective and all-inclusive, with high national and international acceptance rates. George Mason admission rates and requirements are:
- Accessible and holistic academic profile
- Specialised programs such as law schools, engineering, etc., can have a lower acceptance rate of around 14%
- A high school GPA and SAT / ACT Scores are required for undergraduate admission
Tips to Get Selected at George Mason University
George Mason University is one of the most prestigious universities to get into, and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities.
- Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average is one of the major entry requirements at the university,
- Indian students must maintain a GPA of around 3.0 (for PG courses), on a 4.0 scale, in order to boost their chances of getting admitted to the university.
- Apart from fulfilling the academic qualifications, including strong letters of recommendation, submission of high English language proficiency scores, and standardised test scores, etc.
George Mason University Acceptance Rate for International Students
Upto 4,266 students of the total population of 39,763 housed at the George Mason University campus account for the international population hailing from upto 130 different countries of origin. There are 27,819 UG students and 7,405 PG students on the GMU campus. Check the intake of the international students of UG at George Mason University-
|
Class of
|
International Students
|
% of International Students
|
|
2028
|
4,226
|
10.6%
|
|
2027
|
4,250
|
10.7%
|
|
2026
|
3,867
|
9.9%
|
|
2025
|
3,159
|
8.1%
|
|
2024
|
2,919
|
7.48%
|
The international acceptance of students has increased by around 1200 students from the class of 2024 to the class of 2028. Indian students have a high representation in this international intake, and India is the largest international community at George Mason University. You can check the acceptance rate for Indian students below:
George Mason University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students
|
Criteria
|
George Mason University
|
|
Total Indian Students in the class of 2028
|
1,722
|
|
Acceptance Rate of Indian Students in the International Pool
|
40.7%
|
George Mason University Acceptance Rate Trends
The no. of applications received by George Mason has increased by around 8500 students in the last five years, whereas the no. of students admitted by the university has increased by around 2000 students. As a result, the GMU acceptance rate for 2025 has decreased to around 77%.
The George Mason acceptance rate has fluctuated between 75-91% for the last couple of years. And overall admission into George Mason remains very non-competitive.
|
Class of
|
Applicants
|
Admitted
|
Admit Rate
|
|
2030
|
28,364
|
Around 22,000
|
Around 77%
|
|
2029
|
26,014
|
22,495
|
86.4%
|
|
2028
|
25,234
|
22,074
|
87.48%
|
|
2027
|
22,579
|
20,057
|
88.8%
|
|
2026
|
20,001
|
18,001
|
90%
|
George Mason University Early Action Vs Regular Decision
The acceptance rate for early decision at George Mason is really high, with around 89-92 admissions per 100 applicants. The early acceptance rate does not fluctuate drastically in comparison to the regular decision acceptance rate of the other UK universities.
|
Class of
|
Early Action Acceptance Rate
|
Regular Acceptance Rate
|
|
2029
|
Around 89% and 92%
|
Around 77%
|
What is Early Decision at George Mason University? Is it helpful to apply for Early Decision at George Mason University?
Every year, George Mason University admits international students through Early Action as well as Regular Decision. Usually, the university’s early action acceptance rate is higher in comparison to the regular decision acceptance rate. Early action allows applicants to apply to a university earlier than regular decision. The deadline is earlier, and the chances of admission are higher.
Advantages of Early Action Application at George Mason University
- Higher admissions chances
- If you get admission, you are not obligated to join George Mason.
- You will get acceptance results earlier than regular candidates.
Disadvantages of Early Action Application at George Mason University
- You will not be able to apply for the regular cycle if your application gets rejected.
- You will have to complete your documentation and application earlier.
George Mason University Admission Requirements for International Students
In order to secure admission, all overseas applicants must fulfil certain George Mason admission requirements listed below. They must also pay the GMU fees for Indian students along with the application fee to secure a seat at the uni. The PG and UG requirements for international applicants is as follows-
| UG |
PG |
|
High school records
2) Official results of any leaving certificates or university entrance exams
3) English proficiency proof
4) SAT/ACT scores (not mandatory).
|
1) 4-year bachelor’s degree
2) English proficiency proof
3) 3.0 GPA
4) GRE/GMAT scores
5) Resume/CV
6) LORs
7) Other course-specific requirements.
|
George Mason University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores
GMU admissions need English language proficiency, for which students can appear for one of the standardised tests (SAT/ACT). However, it is not mandatory as the university is test-optional. Listed below are the average scores obtained by the students admitted in Fall 2025:
|
Entrance Exams
|
Average Score Requirements
|
|
SAT
|
1260
|
|
ACT
|
28
|
|
GPA
|
3.66
|
George Mason University Acceptance Rate Vs George Washington University Acceptance Rate
The University of Virginia acceptance rate stands around 20%, making its admission criteria moderately selective. In comparison with the George Mason University acceptance rate of 77.8%, the University of Virginia acceptance rate can be considered much more selective in its admission criteria. The International intake and number of countries represented at the University of Virginia are also less than those of George Mason University. The ratio of international students and total students of the University of Virginia and George Mason University is somewhat similar, around 11%.
|
Criterias
|
George Mason University
|
The University of Virginia
|
|
International students
|
Around 4000
|
Around 3000
|
|
International students percentage
|
Around 10-11%
|
Around 11.3%
|
|
Total. Of the countries represented
|
130+
|
83
|
|
Acceptance Rate
|
around 77%
|
16-20%
|
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