George Mason University vs University of Maryland

• 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. 

Overall 4 million titles in collection, comprising- print books collection (2,016,845); e-books (6,305,045); ejournals (501,554); print journals (60,900); streaming media titles (308,256), films & videos (35,089); audio files (46,796). The total collection with other libraries is over 100,000. 

• 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.

College Park in Prince George’s County is located on the Northeast border of Washington. It is home to National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, US National Archives, and National Archives. It shares its neighborhood with Lakeland, Hollywood, Calvert Hills, and Cherry Hills. There are three museums to explore in the city and various historic sites.