Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs George Mason University
- Fordham Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 12
- George Mason Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fordham University achieves a higher graduation rate (81% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $44,338 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
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 81% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 59% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $26,423 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (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 Fordham University over George Mason University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Fordham University. Net price $17,915 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over George Mason University. 4% mobility rate vs 3.1%.
Pick Fordham University 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
Fordham University and George Mason University are close on paper, but Fordham 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
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,418 to 1,274.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fordham 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 $26,423 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $105,692 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, Fordham University graduates report median earnings of $85,569, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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
Fordham University 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 13% 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
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at George Mason University, it is 3.1%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham 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 Fordham 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 $26,423 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $9,226 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, while George Mason University leans toward 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 $44,338 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fordham University's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Mason offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Fordham 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
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
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
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 18% of George Mason's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, while George Mason University concentrates in 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 Fordham University or George Mason University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or George Mason University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or George Mason University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or George Mason University?
Fordham University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 69%.
Fordham University vs George Mason University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 3.1%.
Should you choose Fordham University or George Mason University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fordham 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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