Undergraduates
Deciding how to finance your college education is one of the most important decisions you need to make as you plan for your future, and the Financial Aid counselors at Mason are available to guide you every step of the way. From filling out the FAFSA, to understanding all of the types of support your student may qualify for—we’ll walk you through the options so you’ll feel confident in your decisions throughout the process. We’ll help you learn the difference between different types of aid, and which kinds of support you are eligible to receive.
First-Time Freshmen
All first-time freshmen who submit their application for admission by November 1 will receive priority consideration for merit scholarships. Merit scholarships in this category are managed by the Office of Admissions.
Continuing Students
In addition to financial aid, students may be eligible for one of many internal Mason merit scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on eligibility and demonstrated excellence in the areas identified. Scholarships are offered across the university by athletics, academic departments, the Alumni Association, and by private donors who have established scholarships to support Mason’s educational mission. The Office of Student Financial Aid has compiled a list of these scholarships here.
Transfer Students
Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 15 for submitting FAFSA and George Mason University Scholarship Application.
Graduates
Graduate students at Mason often finance their education through a combination of scholarships, loans, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. Each academic department administers their own scholarships and/or assistantships for graduate students. Contact your department directly for more information.
In addition to loans and department resources, graduate students are encouraged to apply early for any graduate fellowships for which they might be eligible. The graduate fellowship office offers information sessions as well as on-line resources to help guide your search. Learn more at https://provost.gmu.edu/academics-and-research/graduate-education/graduate-student-appointments-fellowships.
International
Students who are non-US citizens or non-residents, are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, there are internal and external scholarships available to students, as well as loan options for financing your education. Our Financial Aid counselors at Mason can provide you with information on these opportunities so you can make personalized decisions about what types of support are right for you.
More Information for International Students
Federal and state financial aid is not available for international students; however, there are some other resources that may be helpful:
- Check with the undergraduate/graduate department to which you have been accepted or are applying to determine if there are any fellowships, assistantships, or graduate grants available.
- Check the following websites for resources for international students:
- A number of private education loans are available to international students who can provide a co-signer who is either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident. To compare lenders, please visit ELM Select and select “International” for the Program Type in the drop down box on the left.
- Check the Scholarship page for resources that might apply.
Parents
Helpful Links for Parents
Military and Veterans
Mason is deeply committed to putting veterans first by offering a wide variety of information and support programs through our Office of Military Services. Our staff are available to assist veterans, active duty service members, guardsmen, reservists, and dependents in making a successful transition into the Mason community. Information about military scholarships, using your federal GI Bill® education benefits, and other support services can be found on the Office of Military Services website.
Additional Resources for Military and Veterans
The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet
A model aid award letter designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school. The shopping sheet can be accessed at https://patriotweb.gmu.edu after the Mason student has been offered a financial aid award package.
The ‘Paying for College’ Web Page
This site can be used by prospective students to enter the names of up to three schools and receive detailed financial information on each one and to enter actual financial aid award information. The tool can be accessed at: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college
The College Scorecard
A consumer planning tool and resource to assist prospective students and their families as they evaluate options in selecting a school. The College Scorecard is located at: http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard
The College Navigator
A consumer tool that provides school information to include tuition and fees, retention and graduation rates, use of financial aid, student loan default rates and features a cost calculator and school comparison tool. The College Navigator is located at: http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator