Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs New Jersey Institute of Technology
- George Mason Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 9
- New Jersey Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, New Jersey Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,504 vs George Mason University's $17,915, New Jersey Institute of Technology delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose New Jersey Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $84,276 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Mason
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #301-350
New Jersey
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, 10% more than George Mason University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,504, roughly $1,411 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 73% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 6.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 65% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); New Jersey in Computer Science & IT (33%). 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 New Jersey Institute of Technology over George Mason University. Median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over George Mason University. Net price $16,504 vs $17,915.
Pick George Mason University over New Jersey Institute of Technology. THE World Rank #301-350 vs #350-400.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over George Mason University. 6.5% mobility rate vs 3.1%.
Pick New Jersey Institute of Technology over George Mason University. 73% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Mason University and New Jersey Institute of Technology are close on paper, but New Jersey Institute of Technology 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 65% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,337.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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, New Jersey Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,504, about $1,411 a year below George Mason University's $17,915. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $5,644 before any change in aid. Choosing New Jersey Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $84,276, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, New Jersey Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 73% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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
New Jersey Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 6.5%; at George Mason University, it is 3.1%. New Jersey Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 10.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New Jersey Institute of Technology 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, George Mason University sits higher, at #301 versus #350.
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 New Jersey Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
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
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. George Mason University ranks higher globally (#301-350 vs #350-400), but New Jersey Institute of Technology alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Criminal Justice, while New Jersey Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: New Jersey Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds New Jersey Institute of Technology's 9,019.
- Business and consulting-track students: New Jersey Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Mason holds onto its admits more tightly: 20% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at New Jersey — 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) 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
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.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
With nearly 9,020 students, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a great fit for those pursuing careers in fields like engineering, computer science, business, and the arts. The 65% acceptance rate means there's a decent chance of getting in, especially for students who are dedicated to their studies and have a solid application. What stands out here is the strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, making it a solid option for anyone looking to dive straight into a career after graduation.
When it comes to life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn around $84,276 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of earning potential is significant, especially when you consider how affordable this school is compared to others. With a median debt of $21,000, students graduate with a manageable financial load, allowing many to move up in their careers without being bogged down by excessive loans.
In terms of the practical bottom line, the net price after aid is about $16,504, which is reasonable for a public institution. This affordability, combined with the strong earning potential, means that students who tend to thrive here are typically those committed to their fields and eager to apply their learning in practical settings. With a diverse range of programs and a supportive environment, NJIT is well-suited for students ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Rankings They Appear On
George Mason University is featured on the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
George Mason's top program is Business Administration (18% of enrollment), while New Jersey leads with Computer Science (33%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for New Jersey).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while New Jersey Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 George Mason University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 65% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,504 after aid versus $17,915 at George Mason University.
Do George Mason University or New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,276 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
New Jersey Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 73% versus 69%.
George Mason University vs New Jersey Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
New Jersey Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 6.5% versus 3.1%.
Should you choose George Mason University or New Jersey Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose New Jersey Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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