George Mason vs UC Merced
How George Mason and UC Merced stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| George Mason | UC Merced | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 87% | 95.1% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1160-1360 | Not reported |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-blind |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | VA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $36,034 | $38,600 |
| Average cost after aid | $18,500 | $13,232 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- George Mason is harder to get into than UC Merced (87% versus 95.1%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, UC Merced is usually the cheaper option ($13,232 versus $18,500 per year on average).
- On testing, George Mason is test-optional while UC Merced is test-blind.
- UC Merced asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
George Mason vs UC Merced FAQ
Is George Mason or UC Merced harder to get into?
George Mason is harder to get into, admitting about 87% of applicants versus 95.1% at UC Merced.
Is George Mason or UC Merced cheaper?
After financial aid, UC Merced is usually cheaper, about $13,232 per year on average versus $18,500 at George Mason.
See your real chances at George Mason and UC Merced.
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