Head-to-Head Comparison
Colorado School of Mines vs George Mason University
- Colorado Mines Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 5
- George Mason Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Colorado School of Mines achieves a higher graduation rate (81% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,690 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.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Colorado Mines
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment, 27% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 81% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 61% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #201-225
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $10,775 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?
Colorado Mines graduates concentrate in Engineering (72% of degrees); George Mason in Business & Marketing (20%). 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 Colorado School of Mines over George Mason University. Median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Colorado School of Mines. Net price $17,915 vs $28,690.
Pick Colorado School of Mines over George Mason University. THE World Rank #201-225 vs #301-350.
Pick George Mason University over Colorado School of Mines. 3.1% mobility rate vs 2.5%.
Pick Colorado School of Mines over George Mason University. 81% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Colorado School of Mines 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
Colorado School of Mines is the harder admit. It takes 61% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,412 to 1,274.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Colorado School of Mines 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 $10,775 a year below Colorado School of Mines's $28,690. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $43,100 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, Colorado School of Mines graduates report median earnings of $97,335, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, Colorado School of Mines has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% 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
Colorado School of Mines graduates a larger share of its students, 81% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 12% 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 Colorado School of Mines, it is 2.5%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.9%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Colorado School of Mines sits higher, at #201 versus #301.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Mason University to keep costs and debt down; pick Colorado School of Mines 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 $10,775 a year, yet Colorado School of Mines graduates earn $20,992 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Colorado School of Mines is harder to get into, with a 61% 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. Colorado School of Mines concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while George Mason University leans toward Business & Marketing, 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 $28,690 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Colorado School of Mines has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Colorado School of Mines has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Colorado School of Mines's 6,155.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 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
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO · Public
Graduates from the Colorado School of Mines earn a median salary of $97,335 just ten years after enrollment. This impressive figure reflects the school's strong focus on engineering and applied sciences. With a student body of 6,155, Mines attracts students who are serious about pursuing careers in technical fields.
The school has an 81% graduation rate, indicating that most students complete their degrees in a timely manner. While specific mobility and economic connectedness data are not available, the focus on high-demand areas like engineering and computer science generally leads to strong job prospects for graduates. Students who come from lower-income backgrounds may find support through limited Pell Grant funding, as 14% of students receive these grants.
Attending Mines comes with a net price of $28,690, and graduates typically leave with a median debt of $23,000. This combination of cost and potential earnings makes the return on investment favorable. Students who thrive here are often those with a solid foundation in math and science, ready to tackle challenging coursework in a collaborative environment.
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
Colorado School of Mines is featured on the Best Colleges in Colorado ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Colorado Mines's top program is Mechanical Engineering (72% of enrollment), while George Mason leads with Business Administration (20%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Colorado Mines) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason).
The two schools feed different job markets. Colorado School of Mines is strongest in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Biology & Biomedical, while George Mason University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, Health Professions. 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 Colorado School of Mines or George Mason University?
Colorado School of Mines is harder to get into, admitting 61% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, Colorado School of Mines or George Mason University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $28,690 at Colorado School of Mines.
Do Colorado School of Mines or George Mason University graduates earn more?
Colorado School of Mines graduates earn more: median earnings of $97,335 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Colorado School of Mines or George Mason University?
Colorado School of Mines has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 69%.
Colorado School of Mines 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 2.5%.
Should you choose Colorado School of Mines or George Mason University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Colorado School of Mines 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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