Understanding George Mason University Tuition Costs
George Mason University (GMU), located just outside of Washington, D.C., has rapidly gained recognition as a prominent public research university in the United States. As part of the Virginia state university system, GMU offers a combination of rigorous academics and diverse job opportunities. For prospective students and their families, understanding the cost of attendance is a primary concern. This article breaks down George Mason University's tuition fees and related expenses, providing a comprehensive overview of what to expect.
Tuition: In-State vs. Out-of-State
The cost of tuition at George Mason University varies depending on several factors, including residency status (in-state or out-of-state), undergraduate or graduate status, and the specific program or college.
- In-State Tuition: For Virginia residents, the annual tuition is \$14,220.
- Out-of-State Tuition: For non-residents, the annual tuition is \$38,688.
These figures represent the sticker price, which includes tuition and fees. It's important to note that these costs do not include expenses such as housing, books, meal plans, and other student service fees.
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition
Beyond the base tuition, students should be aware of additional costs that contribute to the overall expense of attending GMU. These costs should be factored into financial planning.
- Books and Supplies: \$1,288 per year
- Personal Expenses: \$2,338 per year
- Transportation: \$1,329 per year
The estimated total cost of attendance (COA), which includes tuition, fees, and living expenses, is \$33,795 for in-state students and \$57,959 for out-of-state students. This estimated budget is called the cost of attendance (COA). Your total financial aid package and outside resources/scholarships may not exceed the COA.
Read also: Rhode Island Tuition Guide
Financial Aid and Scholarships
GMU offers various forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs, to help students manage the cost of tuition. Financial aid packages are tailored to individual financial needs, primarily determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 53%
- Freshmen With Need Receiving Financial Aid: 83%
- Average Aid Package Awarded: \$20,474
- Average Net Price: The average net price, which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, is \$18,900 per year.
Types of Financial Aid:
- Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These do not need to be paid back. The average award is \$11,466.
- Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back. The average amount is \$4,271.
- Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must repay after graduation is \$29,366.
Important Financial Aid Dates:
- Application Due Date: March 1 (Priority is given to applications received by this date)
- Notification Date: April 1 (Students receive notification of aid offers)
Tuition Payment Information
Payment Methods
George Mason University offers several payment methods for tuition and fees:
- Online: Via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card (convenience fee applies)
- Check: Make payable to George Mason University, with the student ID number written on the front. Third-party checks are not accepted.
- Bank: Payments can be made through various bank options.
- Payment Plans: Available with a \$30 contract fee per semester.
Important Considerations
- Bills are provided electronically approximately thirty (30) days before the semester starts.
- Students must check Patriot Web for their balance due and verify registration.
- Payments are due by the payment deadline to avoid late fees.
- A late registration fee of \$125 is assessed to students who add their first class on or after the first day of the semester.
- A \$50 return item fee is charged for each item (checks, debit/credit card reversals) returned by the bank unpaid.
Financial Obligations and Consequences
- All students are required to accept George Mason University's Student Financial Responsibility Agreement before registering for classes each semester.
- Students are responsible for withdrawing from classes they do not intend to complete by the deadlines listed in the Semester Calendar.
- Failure to meet financial obligations may result in holds on student records, preventing services such as diploma release and class registration.
- Delinquent accounts are assigned to collection agencies and may be subject to garnishments, liens, judgments, and the withholding of money from tax refunds.
Tuition Guarantee Plans
Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payments.
In-State Tuition Eligibility
To be eligible for in-state tuition, a student must have been domiciled in Virginia for at least one full year before the semester for which in-state tuition is sought, or qualify through statutory exception. Domicile classification is determined at the time of a student's admission. New and currently enrolled students classified as out-of-state who believe they qualify for in-state tuition must file a domicile appeal form with the Office of the University Registrar no later than the first day of classes for the semester in which in-state rates are sought.
Course-Specific Tuition Variation
Different programs have varying fee structures. For instance, professional courses in law, business, and computer science may have premium pricing. Many courses require additional course fees and/or lab fees. All new degree seeking students pay a New Student Fee. This is a mandatory fee based on credit enrollment.
Read also: Emory University Tuition
Special Registration Course
Students not enrolled in a credit-bearing course, but whose academic department certifies that they are pursuing an activity related to Mason matriculation, can retain active status by having the Office of the University Registrar process a registration for the Special Registration course (ZREG 200). A \$45 fee is charged for this course, and students must pay this fee before the Office of the University Registrar will process the registration.
Mandatory Student Fee
The Mandatory Student Fee is essential to support ongoing student services and activities that are available to all students whether they attend classes on campus or online.
Continuous Enrollment
Students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree must maintain continuous enrollment.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders, and nonpayment may result in class cancellation. Health insurance fees are deducted from all payments received by the University before funds are applied to tuition and other charges.
Tuition Insurance
Tuition Insurance is available to students and their families at a reduced rate through GradGuard. This insurance strengthens and broadens the scope of the existing refund policy by ensuring reimbursement for tuition, housing and other payments if a student withdraws for any covered medical reason at any time during the semester. The deadline to purchase for each semester is the last day to drop with 100% tuition refund for full semester classes.
Read also: Affording Temple
Refunds
Students should enroll in direct deposit for expedited refunds. Enrollment is completed in Patriot Web. In cases where tuition charges are less than the payments on the student's account, a refund of the overpayment may be requested. To initiate the refund process, a Refund Request form is completed and submitted to the Student Accounts Office. Credit balances are also reviewed and refunds processed throughout the semester, regardless of refund request forms. Payments made by check require a ten-day waiting period.
Important Contacts
For more information, contact the Student Accounts Office at 703-993-2000 or visit their website.
