George Mason University (GMU) has emerged in the last decade as a major university in the nation.  GMU has achieved national distinction in many areas and its reputation continues to grow as the university provides for an educational, cultural and economic resource for its students.

George Mason is a four-year, public research university founded in 1957.

Mission
George Mason University is an institution of international academic reputation providing superior education for students to develop critical, analytical and imaginative thinking and to make well-founded ethical decisions.  It will respond to the call for interdisciplinary research and teaching, not simply by adding programs but by rethinking the traditional structure of the academy.

Location                                                         
Fairfax, VA.  Located 20 miles south of Washington, DC.

Student Profile
13,578 students (45% male, 55% female).  20% of students come from out of state.  34% minority; (1% American Indian; 17% Asian; 8% African American; 62% Caucasian; 8% Latino), 4% international.  83% first-year student retention rate and 53% average graduation rate.

Faculty Profile
989 full-time undergraduate professors.  16:1 student-faculty ratio.  Average class size of 44.

Athletics
NCAA Division I, Eastern College Athletic Conference, 12 varsity sports (12 men’s; baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling; 12 women’s: basketball, cheerleading, crew, cross-country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball). 16 club sports and 10 intramural sports.

Cost and Aid
2006-2007 $15,574 comprehensive ($6,408 in-state tuition).  In 2006, 72% of incoming first-year students received some financial aid.  Average Award Package is $7,391.