George Mason University (GMU) vs UNC Charlotte

George Mason University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. George Mason, located in Fairfax, Virginia, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. In contrast, UNC Charlotte, situated in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, has a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process. While George Mason excels in fields like engineering, business, and computer science, UNC Charlotte shines in areas such as nursing, business, and engineering. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional academic offerings, to determine which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	George Mason University	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Overview
Location	Fairfax, Virginia	Charlotte, North Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.3%	79.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1140 - 1350	1120 - 1320
ACT range	25 - 30	21 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	37.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	3.0%	54.0%
Total number of applicants	20,527	20,366
Total number of admissions given out	18,741	16,180
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,986	4,256
Yield rate	21.3%	26.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $35,263 Out of state: $58,723	In state: $23,716 Out of state: $37,150
Average net price	$18,841	$15,682
Tuition	In state: $9,510 Out of state: $32,970	In state: $3,812 Out of state: $17,246
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,620 Meal plan: $5,010	Room/dormitory: $7,322 Meal plan: $4,420
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	70.0% Average amount $10,110	61.0% Average amount $7,807
Students receiving federal student loan	43.0% Average amount $5,006	49.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $18,474	7.0% Average amount $14,942

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	26,882 Men 50.4% Women 49.6%	24,116 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%
Graduate students	11,746 Men 40.7% Women 59.3%	6,332 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	18.9%	8.8%
International students	8.0%	5.7%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,513	5,983
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Virginia Maryland District of Columbia Pennsylvania New York	North Carolina South Carolina Virginia New York New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Engineering	Education Engineering Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	70.1%	65.7%
Dropout rate	9.6%	8.6%
Transferred out	16.5%	23.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,837 Year 2: $109,763 Year 3: $127,586 Homeland Security (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,476 Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $120,573 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,886 Year 2: $99,709 Year 3: $117,377 Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,424 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $115,693 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,841 Year 2: $105,585 Year 3: $113,896 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $121,226 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $105,664 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $101,843 Year 2: $100,690 Year 3: $101,702 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,386 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,604 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,911 Year 2: $91,448 Year 3: $99,722 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,065 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $94,785	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,028 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $120,396 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,492 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $90,016 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,922 Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $88,416 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,378 Year 2: $70,829 Year 3: $79,712 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $74,196 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,022 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $73,734 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,160 Year 2: $63,898 Year 3: $73,656 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,433 Year 2: $60,920 Year 3: $72,989 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,034 Year 2: $60,335 Year 3: $70,327 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,768 Year 2: $62,666 Year 3: $69,749

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between George Mason University (GMU) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC)?

George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., offering students access to a major metropolitan area with numerous internship and job opportunities in government, technology, and the arts. The campus is suburban, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. UNCC is situated in Charlotte, North Carolina, a rapidly growing city with a strong financial sector. The UNCC campus is also suburban, known for its modern architecture and a more expansive, park-like setting.
How do the academic programs at GMU and UNCC compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. GMU is particularly strong in programs related to government, public policy, computer science, and engineering, leveraging its proximity to Washington, D.C. UNCC excels in business, engineering, and architecture, reflecting the strengths of the Charlotte region. Both universities have growing research profiles and offer opportunities for undergraduate research.
What is the student life like at George Mason University versus the University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

Student life at GMU benefits from its location near Washington, D.C., providing access to cultural events, museums, and professional opportunities. The campus has a diverse student body and a vibrant social scene. UNCC offers a strong sense of community, with a focus on campus activities, Greek life, and a growing athletic program. Both universities have active student organizations and a variety of on-campus housing options.
How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare between GMU and UNCC?

Tuition costs vary between the two institutions, and it's essential to check the most current figures on their respective websites. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. Financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans, is available at both institutions. Prospective students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for financial assistance.
What are the athletic programs like at George Mason University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

GMU competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily in the Atlantic 10 Conference. They have a strong basketball program and offer a variety of other sports. UNCC also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with a growing presence in Conference USA. Their football and basketball programs are particularly notable, and they offer a wide range of other sports as well.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at GMU and UNCC?

Both universities provide robust career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. GMU's location near Washington, D.C., provides access to numerous internship opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. UNCC benefits from its location in Charlotte, a major financial hub, offering internships and job prospects in the banking, finance, and technology sectors. Both universities have strong alumni networks that support student career development.
How does the size and student population differ between George Mason University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

Both universities are large public institutions. GMU typically has a slightly larger student population than UNCC. This means that at GMU, you'll encounter a broader range of people and perspectives. UNCC, while still large, may offer a slightly more intimate campus feel, though both schools have a wide variety of student organizations and activities to help students connect.
What are the housing options like at George Mason University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. GMU has a range of housing options to accommodate different preferences and budgets. UNCC also provides a variety of housing choices, with a focus on modern facilities. Both universities also have off-campus housing options available near the campus.
How do the research opportunities compare at GMU and UNCC?

Both universities are committed to research. GMU has a strong research profile, particularly in areas like computer science, engineering, and public policy, with access to federal funding and partnerships. UNCC is also a growing research institution, with strengths in areas like engineering, bioinformatics, and urban studies. Both universities offer undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects.
Which university is a better fit for me, George Mason University or the University of North Carolina at Charlotte?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you're interested in government, public policy, or technology and value access to a major metropolitan area, GMU might be a good choice. If you're interested in business, engineering, or architecture and prefer a growing city with a strong financial sector, UNCC could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, researching their programs, and evaluating the overall campus environment to make an informed decision.

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