Head-to-Head Comparison
Colby College vs George Mason University
- Colby Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 14
- George Mason Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Colby College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,180 vs George Mason University's $17,915, Colby College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Colby College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colby
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, 5% more than George Mason University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,180, roughly $735 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,157, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 7% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Mason
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Colby graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (28% of degrees); George Mason in Business & Marketing (18%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Colby College over George Mason University. Median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick Colby College over George Mason University. Net price $17,180 vs $17,915.
Pick George Mason University over Colby College. 3.1% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Colby College over George Mason University. 89% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colby College and George Mason University are close on paper, but Colby College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Colby College is the harder admit. It takes 7% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,501 to 1,274.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Colby College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Colby College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,180, about $735 a year below George Mason University's $17,915. Graduates of Colby College also borrow less: median debt of $19,157, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,940 before any change in aid. Choosing Colby College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Colby College graduates report median earnings of $80,490, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colby College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Colby College graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 21% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
George Mason University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at Colby College, it is 0.9%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Mason University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Colby College to keep costs and debt down; pick George Mason University if upward mobility and access matter most.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Colby College is harder to get into, with a 7% admit rate, but George Mason University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.1%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Colby College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while George Mason University leans toward Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Colby College's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colby College has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Colby College's 2,407.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Mason offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Colby does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Colby College
Waterville, ME · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 7%, Colby College is tailored for students who thrive in a highly selective environment and are eager to dive into topics like Social Sciences, Psychology, Biology, and Computer Science. It’s a small community of about 2,407 students, making it easier to form close connections with peers and professors alike. Those who choose Colby are often passionate about their fields and want to engage deeply in their studies.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni report impressive earnings, with a 10-year median income of $80,490. This suggests that a Colby education can lead to solid financial outcomes, helping graduates secure well-paying jobs. The affordability factor is also notable; with a net price of $17,180, many students find that they can graduate without being burdened by excessive debt, as the median debt sits at $19,157. This balance helps foster mobility for those who want to move up in their careers.
The numbers tell a clear story: Colby is not just about getting a degree but about setting up students for success in the real world. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that support is available for those who need it, the overall environment tends to attract highly motivated individuals. Those who thrive here share a commitment to their studies and benefit from both a strong academic foundation and a supportive community.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
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.
Rankings They Appear On
George Mason University is featured on the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colby's top program is Sociology (28% of enrollment), while George Mason leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colby) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colby College is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, while George Mason University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Colby College or George Mason University?
Colby College is harder to get into, admitting 7% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, Colby College or George Mason University?
Colby College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,180 after aid versus $17,915 at George Mason University.
Do Colby College or George Mason University graduates earn more?
Colby College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,490 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colby College or George Mason University?
Colby College has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 69%.
Colby College vs George Mason University: which is better for social mobility?
George Mason University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.1% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Colby College or George Mason University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Colby College if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Mason University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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