The George Mason University Board of Visitors approved an increase in tuition and fees for the 2026-27 academic year, according to a May 4 announcement. The decision comes as the university faces rising utility costs and a longstanding gap in state funding compared to similar institutions.
The new rates mean undergraduate students will pay $360 more, while graduate students will see an increase of $504. This represents a 3.5% rise for in-state students and between 1.0% and 1.4% for out-of-state students. Tuition for law school students remains unchanged.
A financial presentation related to the decision is available in the board’s official materials. According to university officials, George Mason was the only one among Virginia’s six doctoral universities not to raise in-state tuition last year, keeping its rates below most peer institutions even after this adjustment.
“We do know that an increase presents a challenge for any student, and this is an area the whole leadership team takes seriously,” George Mason University President Gregory Washington said. “We remain a great value for people in the commonwealth and in the region.” Washington also pointed out that George Mason is recognized as an Opportunity University by Carnegie and ACE, reflecting strong returns on investment for its graduates.
University leaders say financial pressures are affecting many higher education institutions nationwide, including declines in graduate enrollment and challenges faced by international students seeking visas. Rising utility costs, health care expenses, and partially funded state-mandated programs such as compensation increases add further strain on resources.
For this academic year, George Mason receives over $7,000 less per in-state student than its five doctoral peer universities when combining state support with tuition revenue—a shortfall amounting to $180 million overall. In addition to tuition changes, mandatory student fees will rise by 3.5%, or $132 per undergraduate or graduate student ($98 more for law students). These fees help fund campus services such as health programs, athletics, transportation services, employment opportunities on campus, recreation programs, and other initiatives aimed at supporting student life.
The university continues offering financial assistance programs designed to help those who need support meeting these increased costs. George Mason has been recognized by Washington Monthly as providing “best bang for the buck” among Virginia colleges; The Wall Street Journal ranked it No. 1 among public universities statewide based on value and salary outcomes after graduation.
According to findings from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia published by the university’s board materials recap set for release May 7: seventy-three percent of in-state graduates from George Mason remain working within Virginia—three percent above other public four-year schools—while twenty-nine percent of out-of-state graduates stay after finishing their studies (nine percent above average).
