Part of the Vibrant D.C. Region

Mason is located 15 miles outside the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. As the political and cultural center of the country, the city offers a great place to explore and gain valuable educational and professional experiences.

A Place Like No Other

Mason Campuses

Mason’s beautiful 670-acre residential campus is located in Fairfax, Virginia. Our additional Virginia campuses in Arlington and Manassas, and our overseas campus in Songdo, South Korea, provide expanded access to educational opportunities for Mason students and others in our communities.

Mason is home to the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, Virginia, a site that provides experiential education opportunities for students building careers in global conservation.

Campus Safety

Mason is committed to both individual and community safety. Our Mason Alert text notification system provides immediate updates and safety information. Students also have access to an array of safety features through the RAVE Guardian smartphone app. The George Mason University Department of Police and Public Safety has a force of more than 135 full- and part-time personnel. Officers are available on campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

LEARN YOUR WAY

World-class Faculty

Mason’s innovative spirit and reputation for excellence have attracted some of the world’s brightest minds including elected officials, retired generals, and former ambassadors.

A George Mason education adds 20 percent to the value of a college degree, the Brookings Institution analysis found when comparing mid-career salaries.

Online Learning Options

Mason Online allows students to take select classes offered on campus in an online format while at home, stationed abroad, or traveling. This allows you to learn on your own time from wherever you are.

Housing

All Mason freshmen are required to live on campus. Our 50+ residence halls offer a variety of options, including suites, apartments, and Learning Communities (LCs). Residence halls offer new or recently renovated spaces, open lounge areas, shared kitchens, and free laundry facilities.

Dining

With dining locations across our campuses—some open 24 hours—you’ll have the flexibility to eat what you want and when you want. Mason Dining offers something for every palate or dietary need, including allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. And if you're too busy studying, Mason Dining's fleet of delivery robots can bring you dinner while you brush up before finals!

Fitness

Three state-of-the-art fitness centers offer everything from an Olympic-sized pool to group exercise classes. Mason’s fitness resources are endless—and free for full-time students.

460+ Student Organizations

There are so many ways at Mason for you to find your niche, get involved, and meet new friends. There are also opportunities for team activities through our intramural or club teams. Every year, we host thousands of events on campus, including theater, music, sports, movies, comedians, and more. There is always something to see or do.

200+ Study-abroad Programs

Our study-abroad programs give you the opportunity to experience different cultures while studying at prestigious host institutions. If you’re an eligible freshman, Mason’s Global Gateways program allows you to study abroad as early as your second semester.

JAZMIN GOLDEN

Major: Environmental Studies, Honors College

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

About: Jazmin is an environmental studies major in the Honors College. She loves Mason’s location and her program of study, along with the campus atmosphere and diversity. A student-athlete on the women’s NCAA Division I track and field team, Jazmin is a student leader who has served as a Mason Ambassador. She says that Mason feels like home, which has been very comforting to her as an out-of-state student.

"I chose to attend Mason because of its great location in Northern Virginia and the wonderful environmental studies program that Mason offers. While both of these aspects still fuel my love for Mason, I have also come to adore the diversity, atmosphere, and people who have affected me both academically and personally in my years as a Patriot. From the moment I arrived on campus to now, Mason has always felt like home."

JOAQUÍN PÉREZ

Major: Global Affairs, minor in Spanish

Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia

About: At Mason, Joaquín has been involved in the fraternity Chi Psi. Off campus, he has been participating in a virtual internship with Manna Project International, which seeks to bring up young leaders in Ecuador by providing them with life skills and resources to help end cyclical poverty.

"I chose George Mason University because it is ideal for a global affairs major with its proximity to Washington, D.C., as well as to my own home. Mason is ideal for students like me as it has a wide array of curricula to help people become more educated on what is going on around the world, not just in the United States. In just one year at Mason, I have already grown so much as an individual with more knowledge about world affairs."

MOLLY REED

Major: Government and International Politics, Honors College

Hometown: Grapevine, Texas

About: Molly’s favorite part of attending Mason is the proximity to Washington, D.C. Given the location, she’s had the chance to meet with the late civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis, hear from Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, as well as lobby at Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s office. In addition, Molly has joined Schar’s Undergraduate Student Organization so that she can become even more involved with the school and now serves as their event coordinator.

"Mason is amazing! Not only do you meet people from Virginia, but from all over the world. You have access to so many life-changing experiences that you can’t get anywhere else. Mason truly is a one-of-a-kind university, and the knowledge you gain here will set you up for the rest of your life."