George Mason University vs Virginia Commonwealth University

• George Mason University has state-of-the-art libraries: the Fenwick Library on the Fairfax campus; the Mason Square Library and Law Library in Arlington; and the Mercer Library on the Manassas campus. 
• Students, faculty and staff have access to books and materials from all five Mason library locations, as well as libraries at other universities across the region or throughout the world. 
• If the item you need is in one of Mason's libraries or one of the Washington Research Library Consortium member libraries (American, Catholic, Gallaudet, George Washington, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount or University of the District of Columbia), it can be delivered to your local Mason library in 24 to 48 hours. 

VCU Libraries has two main libraries, the James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and theHealth Sciences Library on the MCV Campus. VCU Libraries promotes the academic success of its students, invigorates research and scholarship, and advances the health care and outreach missions of the University with exemplary collections, services, spaces and staff.

• Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, the City of Fairfax is a quaint commuter suburb home to about 24,000 residents
• With excellent schools, beautiful parks, and thriving economy, Fairfax is often cited as one of the best places to live in northern Virginia.
• Residents enjoy the slower pace of the suburbs without going too far from D.C. Fairfax City is a six-square-mile jurisdiction located just 20 minutes southwest of Washington, D.C. and just outside the 495-Beltway.
• Dulles International Airport is a 35-minute drive away, providing quick access to a major international transportation hub, while daily metro commuters can catch the Orange Line via nearby Vienna station or the Virginia Railway Express train at the Burke Centre station. Metrobus also operates in Fairfax City. 
• Given its great location and quality of life, the Fairfax City cost of living is 56% higher than the national average.
• However, the Fairfax county cost of living  is in line with most cities in Northern Virginia. The cost of living in Alexandria, Arlington and Washington, D.C. are also 56% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Richmond is right in line with the U.S. average and 6% lower than the state average. The housing costs are budget-friendly, too. The median monthly rent is at $916. The only city in America with whitewater rapids running through its downtown district, Richmond is the seat of Virginia's state government. With a range of housing options, the Richmond metro area – which includes suburban areas in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico – appeals to a varied demographic, from young