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MeritPlaybook / Take-home research

George Mason
Decision sheet

Virginia · Research checked 2026-07-02 · School research, not an aid offer

The starting point

George Mason automatically considers every freshman who applies by the November 1 Early Action deadline for merit scholarships (no separate application), tops out with the full-tuition University Scholars Award, but applies all merit to tuition and mandatory charges only and can cut it if your residency changes.

Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.

Awards to discuss

The 2 awards in this school's research. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.

Mason Merit Scholarship (Incoming First-Time Freshman)

Amount not published · Published award terms

Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.

Eligibility: All freshman applicants who apply by November 1 (Early Action deadline) are automatically considered; awarded for academic talent, special talents, and personal characteristics without regard to financial need

Renewal: Most George Mason scholarships require a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 (4.00 scale) to renew (refer to scholarship letter for specifics). Most require full-time enrollment and are not pro-rated for reduced loads. Students completing the degree in fewer than eight semesters forfeit the remainder.

Other terms: No separate application. Tier dollar amounts are NOT published on the scholarships page (a separate Mason Merit Scholarship Policy page was not opened). Applied directly to tuition and mandatory charges only.

https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid/types-aid/scholarships

University Scholars Award

Full tuition · Published coverage or package

Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.

Eligibility: Selected from Honors College applicants who apply by the priority deadline, November 1; no other application necessary

Renewal: Covers the full cost of tuition over four years. (Standard merit renewal terms apply; refer to the Mason Merit Scholarship Policy.)

Other terms: George Mason's highest academic distinction. Covers TUITION, not full cost of attendance.

https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid/types-aid/scholarships

Ask before you decide

  1. Which entering-year policy and residency category apply to us? What are the admission and scholarship deadlines?
  2. What grades and credits are required to renew, and for how many terms?
  3. How would other school awards or outside scholarships change the offer?

Recorded stacking policy: Most merit awards can combine with other scholarships and aid, but because merit applies only to tuition and mandatory charges, a merit award may be cancelled or adjusted if other aid/scholarship/benefit pays partial or full tuition. Outside (private) scholarships are treated as resources: if they exceed a student's need or cost of attendance, the OSFA first reduces student loans or Federal Work-Study.

Our unanswered questions / Family notes

Keep the sources with the decision

Full research, award details and source context: https://meritplaybook.com/colleges/george-mason-university/merit-aid

The research date is not a guarantee that a policy still applies. Confirm current amounts, deadlines and conditions with the school before making a financial decision.