George Mason University and the School of Public Policy are committed to assisting students by providing opportunities for financial support. Assistance for master's students includes the following:
Merit-Based Scholarships
The School of Public Policy offers assistance through merit-based scholarships. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are based on academic credentials. Students seeking funding consideration from the School of Public Policy are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores.
Please note, scholarship decisions are made at the same time as admissions decisions. All application materials must be submitted by February 1 for fall consideration and November 1 for spring consideration.
-No separate financial application is necessary.
Federal Aid
To apply for need-based federal assistance, students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. To receive priority consideration for these funds, FAFSA forms should be received by the federal processor on or before March 1. Students seeking federal financial aid alone are not required to submit GRE scores for review. For other questions regarding need-based federal assistance, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Academic Common Market
The School of Public Policy (SPP) has four programs that are part of the Academic Common Market (ACM). Residents of ACM states who are admitted to one of the below SPP graduate degree programs and attend as a full-time student, may be eligible to receive in-state tuition.
| SPP Graduate Programs |
Degree |
Residents from these states may be eligible to receive In-State Tuition |
| International Commerce and Policy |
MA |
AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, WV |
| Organization Development and Knowledge Management |
MS |
FL, MD, NC |
| Peace Operations |
MS |
AR, FL, MD, NC, OK, TX |
| Public Policy |
MPP |
SC, TN |
For more information, please go to Other Financial Opportunities.