Head-to-Head Comparison
Cornell University vs George Mason University
- Cornell Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 9
- George Mason Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Cornell University achieves a higher graduation rate (95% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,690 compared to George Mason University's $17,915 for in-state paths. Students who choose George Mason University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $76,343 at ten years.
53 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Cornell
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, 36% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #14
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $10,775 a year less
- 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?
Cornell graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (19% 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 Cornell University over George Mason University. Median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Cornell University. Net price $17,915 vs $28,690.
Pick Cornell University over George Mason University. THE World Rank #14 vs #301-350.
Pick George Mason University over Cornell University. 3.1% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Cornell University over George Mason University. 95% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Cornell University and George Mason University are close on paper, but Cornell University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Cornell University is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,535 to 1,274.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Cornell University 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 Cornell University's $28,690. Graduates of Cornell University also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $19,500.
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, Cornell University graduates report median earnings of $104,043, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 36% advantage. Set against borrowing, Cornell University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.13x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 36% 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
Cornell University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 27% 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 Cornell University, it is 2.9%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4.9%.
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, Cornell University sits higher, at #14 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 Cornell University 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 Cornell University graduates earn $27,700 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Cornell University is harder to get into, with a 9% 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. Cornell University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while George Mason University leans toward 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.
- Business and consulting-track students: Cornell University has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $19,500, against $14,000 at Cornell University.
- Engineering-focused students: Cornell University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Cornell University's 15,995.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Cornell holds onto its admits more tightly: 69% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at George Mason — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at George Mason, where only about 21% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 5 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
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, is a fitting choice for students who are academically driven and eager for a deeply engaging campus experience. With an acceptance rate of just 9%, this school attracts some of the brightest minds, and it has a graduation rate of 95%. Students here dive into popular programs like Computer Science, Business, and Engineering, all of which are designed to prepare them for competitive fields.
After graduation, individuals from Cornell see impressive financial returns, with a median earning of about $104,043 after ten years. This level of income reflects the value of the education received and the strong career paths available to graduates. Although the cost of attendance can be significant, the financial aid landscape is supportive, especially for those who qualify for Pell Grants, which help about 18% of students.
The net price after aid stands at approximately $28,690, which is manageable considering the median debt of $14,000 that graduates carry. This financial framework means that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of debt, allowing them to focus on their careers and aspirations rather than being weighed down by financial burdens. Those who thrive at Cornell are typically motivated, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the many resources and connections available to them.
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
Cornell University and George Mason University appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best ROI Colleges for Business, Cornell University ranks #2 — Cornell University outranks George Mason University by 47 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Cornell's top program is Computer Science (19% 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 Cornell) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason).
The two schools feed different job markets. Cornell University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while George Mason University concentrates in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences. 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 Cornell University or George Mason University?
Cornell University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, Cornell University or George Mason University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $28,690 at Cornell University.
Do Cornell University or George Mason University graduates earn more?
Cornell University graduates earn more: median earnings of $104,043 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Cornell University or George Mason University?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 69%.
Cornell University 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 2.9%.
Should you choose Cornell University or George Mason University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Cornell University 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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