Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Fairfax, VA
How students pay for George Mason University
Sticker price $26,910 a year. After grants, the average student pays $14,697, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $9,467 to $23,862.
- 87%admitted
- 27,752undergraduates
- 66%graduate
- 59%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $39,312 a year versus $14,316 for Virginia residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
59%grant from George Mason Universityavg $7,603
28%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,573
38%state grantavg $5,508
40%federal student loanavg $5,084
Scholarships from George Mason University
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Mason Merit Scholarships
Incoming freshmen and transfer students are considered on academic merit regardless of financial need; most awards require full-time enrollment.
- University Scholars AwardFull tuition for four years
Mason's highest undergraduate academic distinction, chosen from Honors College applicants.
- Mason Foundation ScholarshipsVaries
Continuing undergraduates and admitted transfers with at least a 2.75 GPA (3.0 for graduate students); awards weigh merit, financial need and interests.
- Talent Merit Scholarships
Students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Debate or Forensics.
Priority FAFSA deadline: March 1 for freshmen, March 15 for transfer students (FAFSA or VASA).
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Virginia
G3 (Virginia community college tuition assistance)
Pays whatever tuition, fees and books other aid leaves uncovered.
Who qualifies: Students eligible for Virginia in-state tuition with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (about $120,000 for a family of four), taking at least 6 credit hours a semester in an approved G3 program at a Virginia public community college.
How: File the FAFSA, then start your application on the G3 site, which sends you to your community college's G3 office. No deadline is published.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Fairfax
| Studio | $2,440/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $2,550/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $1,410/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 22030. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$12.77/hour minimum wage in Virginia
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $5,746 before tax. That covers about 4 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: rises to $13.75 on 1 January 2027. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$18,500median federal debt≈ $210/month over 10 years
$79,923median earnings10 years after enrolling
66%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for George Mason University
What scholarships does George Mason University offer?
Mason Merit Scholarships (Not published on the aid page); University Scholars Award (Full tuition for four years); Mason Foundation Scholarships (Varies); Talent Merit Scholarships (Not published). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does George Mason University really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $14,697 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $9,467 to $23,862. The full cost of attendance before aid is $26,910.
Does George Mason University give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 59% of first-year students received a grant from George Mason University itself, averaging $7,603. 28% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,573).
How much is rent near George Mason University?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (22030) is $2,550 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,820 for a two-bedroom, about $1,410 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at George Mason University?
Yes. The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.77 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $5,746 before tax.
How much debt do George Mason University graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $18,500, about $210 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $79,923.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with George Mason University. How these pages work.
More in Virginia: Virginia Tech · All colleges in Virginia →