George Mason announces $15,000 scholarships for qualifying Washington, D.C., high schoolers

George Mason University is providing at least $15,000 in scholarship aid per year for qualifying Washington, D.C., high school students, beginning with those admitted for fall 2027. These scholarships further George Mason's role as an institution providing higher access and higher earnings for students in the Washington metropolitan area.

"Through their studies at George Mason, many of our students go on to successful careers where they help shape industries and innovation throughout Washington, D.C.," said David Burge, senior vice president for enrollment and student achievement and interim dean of admissions. "This scholarship ensures that high school students who live in the city can afford an education that leads to those same opportunities."

The new scholarships can be used in combination with the DC Tuition Assistance Grant, also $15,000, which is available to Washington, D.C., students attending college outside of the district. When combined, these awards provide students with a minimum of $30,000 in aid when they enroll at George Mason. The aid provided by George Mason's scholarships increases based on academic merit, and the amount is renewable for up to four years, or eight consecutive semesters. To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and be enrolled full time (12 or more credits) each semester.

Furthering a Commitment to Access

George Mason is recognized for its commitment to access, being one of only 21 institutions in the country named to the highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities for Higher Access, Higher Earnings according to the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education. It is also top 20 in the nation among public universities for upward mobility of its students, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The announcement of these scholarships comes amidst George Mason's annual participation in DC College Application and Exploration Month, where admissions counselors collaborate with the city's high schools to provide application fee waivers and host workshops promoting college readiness. George Mason is also a leading partner of the DC College Access Program, helping 120 students persist and graduate at or above national benchmarks since the partnership began in fall 2020.

"Washington, D.C., students have always been an incredible asset to the George Mason campus community," said Rachel Cleaver, senior associate director of K-12 partnerships in the Office of Admissions. "We are excited to welcome even more of them because of this aid."