Why Study Here?

Why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University? 

Learn here. Lead Anywhere. Change your world with a business degree or certificate from one of the largest business schools in Virginia, with over 4,500 undergraduate and nearly 700 graduate students.

Business Is Constantly Evolving. We Believe Your Education Should Evolve with It. 

The Washington, D.C., region is home to the U.S. federal government, government contractors, hundreds of nonprofit organizations, 19 Fortune 500 companies, and hundreds of tech companies where you can apply your classroom knowledge, test out career choices, find internships, and make valuable contacts.
 
Find out how we are redefining the way we prepare students for successful careers and how our efforts are paying off.

Fairfax Campus George Mason Univerisity

Our Fairfax Campus

George Mason's Fairfax campus serves graduate students and is the home for undergraduate studies, with residence halls that house more than 6,000 of our students. The campus is located on 677 wooded acres within 20 miles of downtown Washington, D.C.

Our Mason Square Campus

George Mason's Mason Square campus sits in the Virginia Square neighborhood of Arlington County, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Focusing on graduate and professional programs, the campus is Metro accessible and class schedules accommodate the hours of working professionals.

Arlington GMU

A Solid Foundation in Business

Today’s workplace requires more than just technical skills. Working directly with companies to develop curriculum, experiences, and experiential learning opportunities, the Costello College of Business provides its students with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your career.

Business Foundations

George Mason is the only business college in the region with an entire academic unit—business foundations—dedicated to merging a liberal arts education with the study of business, providing students with the tools to chart their own path to success. 

Over 1,200 Graduates Celebrated Spring 2025

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University celebrated 1,204 graduates, including 833 undergraduate students, 239 graduate students, and 132 certificate students, at a special ceremony on Friday, May 16 at EagleBank Arena. These new graduates join a Costello College of Business network of nearly 40,000 alumni, 70% of whom live in the Northern Virginia region.

Graduation
Mosaic tile
30-35
Class size of business foundations courses for freshmen and sophomores
Mosaic tile
Over 600
Companies interviewed students on campus last year
Mosaic tile
28:1
Student-Faculty ratio

What's a Costello College of Business degree worth?

Over the last decade, the career outcome rate at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University has steadily increased. The percentage of students employed at graduation and the number of students receiving grants and scholarships has grown, too.

Chart showing 26% increase in career outcome rate since 2013
Chart showing the mean salary increase over a 5-year period for undergraduate is a 23% increase, and graduate is a 20% increase
Mosaic tile
87%
Employed at graduation or enrolled in graduate/professional school

A University that Reflects Our World

George Mason University students represent 130 countries and all 50 states—making us the largest, most diverse public research university in Virginia. We proudly accept nearly 90 percent of undergraduate applicants, because we believe in inclusivity over exclusivity. Our graduation rate exceeds the national average, and there are no disparities in academic success rates among the differing ethnic groups or socioeconomic statuses of our students.

George Mason is highlighted as one of Carnegie’s Opportunity Colleges and Universities.

Diversity at Mason

A Unique Perspective on Entrepreneurship

Our Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship brings together ideas and perspectives for real solutions that serve the local business community and the world at large.

dean and student

Our Community Programs in Entrepreneurship

Our community programs in entrepreneurship focus on inclusivity, and aim to empower individuals who do not currently have adequate access to entrepreneurship training opportunities by providing them with the knowledge and support they need to successfully launch and manage their own businesses.

The Patriot Pitch Competition

The Patriot Pitch Competition is a Shark Tank-like annual event that supports idea and early-stage business ventures and is open to current George Mason students and recent alumni from all majors/fields of study.

patriot pitch judges

Experiential Learning and Career Readiness

You will have the opportunity to experience the business world from day one. Whether through opportunities in the classroom or with our dedicated Career Services team, the Costello College of Business provides the hands-on, dynamic learning environment you need to succeed.

Student Managed Investment Fund

Opportunities in the Classroom

Through FNAN 477, finance students can be part of the Montano Student Managed Investment Fund and gain hands-on portfolio construction experience through the management of one-quarter of a million dollars in an all equity portfolio.