Tuition Information
How much is tuition? How much does it cost per credit hour?
Tuition for each program can be found on the Graduate Tuition and Fees website of the Schar School. Tuition is billed per credit hour enrolled. To calculate an estimated cost of tuition of the program, you can multiply the number of credit hours for the program by the cost per credit.
Does the university offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans range from two to five payments and are set up through Student Accounts. Learn more about payment plans.
Are your programs GI Bill eligible?
Most Schar School programs are GI Bill eligible. View a full list of eligible programs.
Can I use FAFSA to help pay for the program?
Yes, if you are eligible for FAFSA, you are welcome to use it toward our master's programs. Certificate and nondegree are not eligible for FAFSA. If you have any FAFSA questions, please reach out to our Financial Aid office at 703-993-2000 or finaid@gmu.edu. Apply for FAFSA.
Are there different rates of tuition based on residency status?
Yes, George Mason University is a public institution and has both in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. In-state means that you are a resident of the state of Virginia and out-of-state is anyone who resides out of Virginia.
The Schar School specifically has a Regional Pricing policy for students who permanently reside in Maryland or DC. These students are eligible for a special tuition rate that is the same as our in-state students. Learn more about the policy and eligibility.
How do I know if I am eligible for in-state tuition?
To be eligible for in-state tuition, you must be a Virginia resident for at least 12 months prior to the start of classes. For full information, please visit the Domicile Office website and contact the Registrar (registrar@gmu.edu) if you have any questions.
How do I know if I am an in-state or out-of-state resident?
Your domicile status is determined with the information provided in the application. If you are a Virgina resident, the application will ask you to provide proof of your residency status.
What if my domicile status is incorrect or has changed; how do I change my status?
Please visit the George Mason University Domicile Office website for instructions on how to change your domicile status with the university. If you have questions regarding initial domicile classification, you may reach out to the Office of Graduate Admissions directly at masongrad@gmu.edu.
If I am an out-of-state student in my first year at Mason but become a Virginia resident, can I change my domicile status?
It is extremely difficult to qualify for in-state tuition if you are an out-of-state student at the time of your application and matriculation into graduate school. You may petition for reclassification of your status. Please note, living in Virginia for the purpose of attending graduate school is insufficient to establish domicile status. A student seeking reclassification should consult the Domicile Office website.
I’m an international student. Which tuition rate applies to me?
International students on F1 or J1 visas are considered out-of-state students.
I’m in the U.S. on a nonstudent visa. Can I qualify for in-state tuition?
Yes, students that are on nonstudent visas (ex: A1, H1), can be eligible for in-state tuition rates. Please see the residency website for more information. Students on a nonstudent (A1, H1, etc.) visa who are domiciled in D.C. or Maryland can be eligible for the Regional Pricing Policy.
Scholarship Information
Do you have any scholarships? How do I apply for them?
The Schar School offers a select number of merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students with strong academic credentials and/or exemplary relevant work experience. You do not need to provide any additional documents or application to be considered. You only need to indicate that you would like to be considered in your application. Our award amounts vary.
Can master’s students be teaching or research assistants?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any assistantships to master’s and certificate students. If we have any availability for assistantships, they are for our PhD students.
Do you have any full funding for master's or certificate students?
At the master’s and certificate level, we do not offer full tuition scholarships, research assistantships, or graduate assistantships. We recommend that applicants search for additional resources of funding to aid in paying for tuition. We keep a list of external scholarships and they have their own deadlines and requirements.
I have external funding that is partially funding my degree (employer, military, or other), am I eligible to be considered for merit-based scholarships?
Yes, just note that you would like to be considered for funding in your application. Please contact schargr@gmu.edu if you cannot do so.
I have external funding that is fully funding my degree (employer, military, or other), am I eligible to be considered for merit-based scholarships?
No, if you are eligible for full funding from an external source, you would be ineligible for our merit-based scholarships.
Is there a minimum credit load in order to receive my scholarship?
No. There is no minimum credit load to qualify for your scholarship, but any unused scholarship amount in each semester is nonrefundable and forfeited.
What is “Regional Pricing””
This is a Schar School-specific tuition rate for master's, certificate, and nondegree students whereby D.C. and Maryland residents are assessed a regional tuition rate equivalent to the in-state tuition rate. Students receiving regional pricing are not eligible for Schar School admissions awards. Read more about this pricing.
How do I know if I am eligible for Regional Pricing?
You must have resided in D.C. or Maryland for at least one year prior to the start of classes.
How much cost savings does the Regional Pricing give for students?
Our Regional Tuition Rate provides cost savings of approximately $30,000 over the course of your master’s degree program and over $12,500 throughout your certificate program compared to out-of-state tuition!
Can I receive the Regional Pricing if I am a certificate or nondegree student?
Yes! We can provide this rate to you if you are eligible.
I am on a student visa, am I eligible?
Unfortunately, applicants on student visas (F-1 or J-1) are not eligible for this rate. Students on nonstudent visas such as A-visas and H-visas may be eligible.
Can I get a Schar School scholarship if I receive the Regional Pricing?
Students receiving regional pricing are not eligible for Schar School merit-based scholarships.
Have a question that isn't answered on this FAQ page? Contact the Schar School's Office of Graduate Admissions at schargr@gmu.edu - we're here to help!