Virginia's largest public research university, combining rigorous academics with career preparation near Washington, D.C.
George Mason offers 78 undergraduate degrees and 141 degree programs at master's, doctoral, and professional levels. The university is classified as an R1 research institution with very high research activity and emphasizes experiential learning, undergraduate research, and internship opportunities. Faculty include two Nobel Prize winners in Economics. The university leads the nation in community college transfers and supports veterans, military students, and first-generation learners through programs like Direct Admissions and the ADVANCE dual-admission partnership.
The flagship Fairfax Campus spans 677 acres in central Fairfax County, approximately 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Additional campuses include Arlington (Mason Square), the Science and Technology Campus in Prince William County, and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal. The university operates an international campus in Incheon, South Korea. On-campus facilities include the Johnson Center student union, Center for the Arts, engineering buildings, libraries, athletic facilities, and residential housing for undergraduates and graduate students.
George Mason offers multiple admission pathways including freshman admissions, transfer admissions, graduate admissions, and international admissions. The university operates a Direct Admissions Program with 24 Northern Virginia high schools (over 500 students enrolled Fall 2025) and an Early Identification Program for first-generation students. The ADVANCE dual-admission partnership with Northern Virginia Community College and five other community colleges has enrolled more than 6,500 students since 2018.
George Mason reports a 73% graduation rate and 85% of 2024 graduates achieved positive career outcomes within six months of graduation. The university ranks as #1 in Virginia for salary outcomes and upward mobility (U.S. News), #1 for Best Bang for the Buck (Washington Monthly), and top 5 for student experience (Wall Street Journal). It is designated a Carnegie Opportunity College and University in the Higher Access, Higher Earnings tier—the only public doctoral university in Virginia with this designation.