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Boston University vs George Mason University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

23
Boston Wins
7
Tied / N/A
16
George Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
New England
Region
Southeast
18,248
Enrollment
27,752
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

11%
Acceptance Rate
87%
1480
SAT Average
1274
33
ACT Midpoint
28
1420-1530
SAT Range
1160-1360

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,102
In-State Tuition
$14,220
$68,102
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,688
$24,402
Average Net Price
$17,915
$9,500
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,942
$9,342
Net Price ($30-48K)
$12,093
$11,778
Net Price ($48-75K)
$15,224
$47,504
Net Price ($110K+)
$25,894
19%
Pell Grant Rate
30%
23%
Federal Loan Rate
31%

Academics

89%
Graduation Rate
69%
95%
Retention Rate
86%
70%
Full-Time Faculty
53%
$16,623
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,486
17%
First-Gen Students
30%

Student Body

65%
Female
56%
32%
White
32%
11%
Hispanic
18%
6%
Black
13%
21%
Asian
23%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$65,655
Earnings (6yr)
$60,536
$73,661
Earnings (8yr)
$68,053
$83,238
Earnings (10yr)
$76,343
$23,250
Median Debt
$19,500
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
81%
Earning Above HS
77%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

201.75%
Mobility Rate
309.01%
5043.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5028.1%
400.0%
From Bottom 20%
614.6%
$126,800
Parent Median Income
$107,500

Social Capital

1.89
Economic Connectedness
1.75
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
9.7%
Volunteering Rate
7.0%

Research (Times HE)

#59
World Rank
#301-350
53.6
Teaching Score
29.3
51.9
Research Score
17.7
91.4
Citations Score
42.6

The Overviews

Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 89% grad $83,238 earnings $24,402 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.

After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.

When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

87% accept 69% grad $76,343 earnings $17,915 net

With an enrollment of over 27,000 students, George Mason University is a solid choice for those looking for a diverse and accessible educational environment. The school has an acceptance rate of 87%, making it a fitting option for students who want to further their education without the pressure of highly competitive admissions. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations.

Looking at life after graduation, the average earnings for alumni 10 years out is $76,343. That’s a good benchmark for understanding potential financial outcomes. While the graduation rate sits at 69%, many graduates find themselves on solid career paths, especially in fields like health and technology. Affordability plays a role here too, with a net price of about $17,915 after aid, which can help keep student debt manageable.

When it comes to financial responsibility, students at George Mason typically graduate with a median debt of $19,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This balance of cost and potential earnings suggests that those who thrive here are often motivated, career-oriented individuals focused on practical degrees. With its supportive community and strong academic programs, George Mason University positions students well for a successful future.

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