What financial aid options are available for George Mason University students?

George Mason University students typically pay through a mix of federal and state aid, Mason scholarships and grants, student loans, work-study, and payment plans. The main starting point is the FAFSA, which George Mason uses to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, and Federal Work-Study.

For need-based aid, common options include the Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant when available, and Mason’s own institutional grants. For merit aid, Mason offers university scholarships that can be awarded based on academics, leadership, talent, or other factors.

Loans are also a standard part of many aid packages. Undergraduate students commonly use federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and some families use Parent PLUS Loans to cover remaining costs. Private loans exist too, but they are usually considered after federal options because federal loans tend to have more borrower protections.

Work-study is available for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money through part-time campus or approved off-campus jobs.

George Mason also offers practical ways to manage costs beyond aid itself. Students can use tuition payment plans to spread charges across the semester instead of paying all at once. Many students also combine aid with outside scholarships, and Mason accepts those as part of the overall funding picture.