
George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university in Fairfax County, Virginia, with additional campuses in Arlington, Prince William County, and Front Royal, Virginia, as well as in Songdo, South Korea. The university was founded in 1949 as a branch of the University of Virginia and became independent in 1972. GMU has experienced significant growth and expansion over the years, with a total student enrollment of over 40,000 students in 2023, making it Virginia's largest public university by student enrollment. The university offers a vibrant student experience with numerous student organizations, research opportunities, and a diverse community that encourages intellectual risk-taking and the sharing of ideas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total student enrollment | 40,000 |
| Freshman class size | 4,500 |
| Virginia freshmen | 3,500 |
| International students | 1,500+ |
| Total alumni | 235,000+ |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 27,666 |
| Gender distribution (male:female) | 51:49 |
| On-campus students | 22% |
| Off-campus students | 78% |
| Campuses | 4 |
| Student organizations | 460 |
| Residence halls | 40 |
| Residence halls for freshmen | 22 |
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What You'll Learn

George Mason University has over 40,000 students enrolled
George Mason University (GMU) has over 40,000 students enrolled, a record for Virginia. This includes 11,000 new students, with a record 4,500 freshmen—the largest freshman class in the school's history. The university's enrolment has been steadily increasing over the years, with 24,368 students enrolled in the spring of 1996, and 27,666 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023.
The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and 130 countries. It is ranked as Virginia's most diverse and innovative university by U.S. News & World Report. George Mason University also has a strong international reputation, with India as the largest source of new international students, enrolling over 1,500 Indian nationals in the past three years.
The university offers a vibrant student experience with over 300 student organisations and significant opportunities for undergraduate world-class research and internships. The main campus is in Fairfax, Virginia, with additional campuses in Arlington, Prince William County, and Front Royal, Virginia, and an international campus in Songdo, South Korea.
George Mason University's total student enrollment figure of over 40,000 is a significant milestone and a testament to the university's growing influence and reputation in the region and beyond. It is Virginia's largest public research university, and its high graduation rates and successful alumni network further contribute to its appeal.
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The university has a diverse student body
George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. The university was founded in 1949 and has since grown into the largest public university by student enrollment in Virginia, with a total of over 40,000 students as of 2023. This includes a record number of 11,000 new students, with a freshman class of 4,500, the largest in the school's history.
The university's main campus is in Fairfax, Virginia, with additional campuses in Arlington, Prince William County, and Front Royal, Virginia, as well as an international campus in Songdo, South Korea. The Fairfax campus has around 40 residence halls, with a mix of traditional and suite-style accommodations. The university also has a strong alumni network, with many graduates remaining in the region and working with notable companies and organisations.
The diversity of the student body at George Mason University contributes to a culture of encouraging intellectual risk-taking and the free exchange of ideas. The university's reputation for bold innovation and its diverse academic programs spanning various disciplines further enhance its inclusive and dynamic environment. The university's location near Washington, D.C., also provides unique opportunities for students to engage with government, industry, and research institutions.
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There are around 40 residence halls
George Mason University, a vibrant and diverse public research university located in Fairfax, Virginia, boasts a large student population and a range of academic programs. As of fall 2022, the university enrolls 38,426 students across its campuses, with the majority, roughly 26,000, based at the Fairfax Campus. This main campus offers a rich collegiate experience and a strong sense of community. At the heart of this community are the residence halls, with around 40 halls providing on-campus housing options for students.
The residence halls at George Mason University are more than just places to sleep; they are vibrant communities that foster personal growth, academic success, and lasting friendships. With approximately 40 residence halls, the university accommodates a large number of students, providing a convenient and engaging living environment. Each residence hall has its own unique character and amenities, contributing to a diverse and inclusive campus life. The halls vary in style, from suites to apartments, offering a range of options to suit different student preferences and budgets.
Living on campus offers a multitude of benefits. Firstly, convenience and proximity to classes, the library, dining options, and other academic resources cannot be overstated. Students can easily access the vast array of support services, extracurricular activities, and social events that the university offers. Residence halls also provide a built-in community, fostering a sense of belonging and offering numerous opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests, backgrounds, or academic pursuits.
The residence halls at George Mason University are managed by dedicated and professional staff who are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment. Resident advisors, often upper-class students, are trained to support their fellow residents, providing guidance, organizing social events, and promoting academic success. These staff members are instrumental in fostering a sense of community within the halls and are always available to help students navigate their collegiate journey.
In addition to the traditional residence halls, George Mason University also offers specialized housing options to cater to specific interests and needs. For example, some halls are designated for specific academic programs or themes, such as the Arts Community, the Global Community, or the Science and Technology Community. These themed housing options provide a unique opportunity for students to live and learn alongside peers with similar academic passions, enhancing their overall educational experience.
The residence halls at George Mason University are not just places to reside; they are hubs of community, support, and engagement. With around 40 halls, the university ensures that students have access to a range of housing options that suit their needs and preferences. Whether it's the convenience of on-campus living, the sense of belonging fostered by the residential community, or the specialized academic focus of themed housing, the residence halls play a pivotal role in shaping the holistic collegiate experience that George Mason University offers.
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The gender distribution is almost equal
George Mason University (GMU) is Virginia's largest public research university, with a total student enrollment of over 40,000 students, including a freshman class of 4,500 students, the largest in the university's history. The gender distribution is almost equal, with 51% male students and 49% female students. This balance between male and female students is indicative of the university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
GMU's diverse student body is a key aspect of its reputation and culture. The university embraces a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, with students hailing from all 50 states and 130 countries. This diversity fosters an environment that encourages students to take intellectual risks, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discourse. It also contributes to a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations and opportunities for undergraduate research and internships across GMU's multiple campuses.
The university's commitment to diversity extends beyond gender equality. GMU has been ranked as Virginia's most diverse and innovative university by U.S. News & World Report. It is also ranked highly for veterans and non-traditional students. The university's inclusive culture is further enhanced by its strong international presence, with India being the largest source of new international students in recent years.
GMU's diverse and inclusive community offers a well-rounded educational experience. The combination of academic rigor, research opportunities, and a nurturing environment prepares students for successful careers. The university's high graduation rates and strong alumni network further contribute to its reputation as a top choice for students seeking a transformative education.
The almost equal gender distribution at GMU is a testament to the university's efforts in creating an inclusive and representative learning environment. This balance fosters a sense of equality and encourages collaboration between male and female students, contributing to the overall enriching experience that GMU strives to provide.
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Campuses are in Virginia and South Korea
George Mason University has four campuses in the United States, each of which is located in Virginia. Three of these campuses are in the Northern Virginia suburbs of the Washington metropolitan area, and one is in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The university also has a campus in South Korea, in the Songdo International Business District of Incheon, which opened in 2014. This brings the total number of campuses to five.
The flagship campus is in Fairfax, Virginia, on 677 acres of land, and is the primary location of the university. The campus is located just south of the City of Fairfax in central Fairfax County and is approximately 20 miles from the national capital of Washington, D.C. The Fairfax campus first welcomed students in 1964, and today it offers a vibrant student experience with 460 student organizations and significant opportunities for undergraduate world-class research and internships.
The Arlington campus, located in the heart of Arlington's innovation district, is just minutes from the nation's capital. It is a hub of education, research, and business development, with the Fuse at Mason Square building symbolizing the university's commitment to sustainability. The SciTech Campus in Arlington comprises 134 acres within Innovation Park, Northern Virginia's largest research business park.
The Blue Ridge campus, just outside Front Royal, is run in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution. It is a 3,200-acre institute where students are taught and mentored by Smithsonian scientists. The university also operates a retreat and conference center in Lorton, Virginia, and a research facility on Belmont Bay in Woodbridge, Virginia.
The campus in South Korea is known as Mason Korea. It is located 25 miles from Seoul and is connected to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. Students at Mason Korea can take seven bachelor's degree courses and earn the same diploma as students at the US campuses, with English as the language of instruction. The campus in South Korea offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in international studies and explore the region's culture and history.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, George Mason University has a total student enrollment of over 40,000, a record for Virginia.
George Mason University welcomed its largest freshman class in history in 2023, with around 4,500 students.
As of Fall 2023, George Mason University has a gender distribution of 51% male and 49% female students.

































