Head-to-Head Comparison
College of the Holy Cross vs George Mason University
- Holy Cross Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 14
- George Mason Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While College of the Holy Cross achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,782 compared to George Mason University's $17,915 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Mason University'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
Holy Cross
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, 19% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 18% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $20,867 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- 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?
Holy Cross graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% 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 College of the Holy Cross over George Mason University. Median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over College of the Holy Cross. Net price $17,915 vs $38,782.
Pick George Mason University over College of the Holy Cross. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick College of the Holy Cross over George Mason University. 88% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
College of the Holy Cross and George Mason University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
College of the Holy Cross is the harder admit. It takes 18% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,353 to 1,274.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, College of the Holy Cross 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, George Mason University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,915, about $20,867 a year below College of the Holy Cross's $38,782. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $83,468 before any change in aid. Choosing George Mason University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, College of the Holy Cross graduates report median earnings of $90,543, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 19% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 19% 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
College of the Holy Cross graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 20% 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 College of the Holy Cross, it is 1%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.1%.
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 George Mason University to keep costs and debt down; pick College of the Holy Cross for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. George Mason University saves about $20,867 a year, yet College of the Holy Cross graduates earn $14,200 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, with a 18% 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. College of the Holy Cross 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,782 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of College of the Holy Cross's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: College of the Holy Cross 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 College of the Holy Cross's 3,106.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Mason offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Holy Cross 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
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 18%, the College of the Holy Cross attracts students who are not only academically driven but also eager for a transformative educational experience. Here, students dive into programs like Social Sciences, Psychology, and Biology, among others. This school is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and personal growth.
Looking at life after graduation, Holy Cross graduates see impressive earnings, averaging around $90,543 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This financial trajectory speaks volumes about the school’s ability to prepare students for successful careers. It’s worth noting that the high graduation rate of 88% indicates that most students stay on track to complete their degrees, which can significantly affect future earning potential.
When it comes to the cost of attending, the net price stands at $38,782 after financial aid, while the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This can be manageable for many, especially considering the strong earning potential post-graduation. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are motivated, engaged, and ready to take full advantage of the resources and community at Holy Cross.
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
Holy Cross's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while George Mason leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Environmental Scientist, Research Scientist, Chemist (for Holy Cross) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason).
The two schools feed different job markets. College of the Holy Cross is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, Physical Sciences, while George Mason University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, 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 College of the Holy Cross or George Mason University?
College of the Holy Cross is harder to get into, admitting 18% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, College of the Holy Cross or George Mason University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $38,782 at College of the Holy Cross.
Do College of the Holy Cross or George Mason University graduates earn more?
College of the Holy Cross graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,543 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, College of the Holy Cross or George Mason University?
College of the Holy Cross has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 69%.
College of the Holy Cross 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 1%.
Should you choose College of the Holy Cross or George Mason University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose College of the Holy Cross if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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