Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs New York University
- George Mason Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 8
- New York Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While New York University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $37,050 compared to George Mason University's $17,915. 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
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $19,135 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
New York
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #60
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); New York in Visual & Performing Arts (16%). 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 York University over George Mason University. Median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over New York University. Net price $17,915 vs $37,050.
Pick New York University over George Mason University. THE World Rank #60 vs #301-350.
Pick New York University over George Mason University. 3.6% mobility rate vs 3.1%.
Pick New York University 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
George Mason University and New York University are close on paper, but New York 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
New York 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, 1,274 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, New York 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 $19,135 a year below New York University's $37,050. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $76,540 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, New York University graduates report median earnings of $82,509, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, New York University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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 York University 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 19% 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 York University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.6%; at George Mason University, it is 3.1%. New York University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 6.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, New York 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, New York University sits higher, at #60 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 New York 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 $19,135 a year, yet New York University graduates earn $6,166 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. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while New York University leans toward Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — George Mason competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $37,050 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of New York University's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: New York University has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
New York holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at George Mason — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. New York offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; George Mason does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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 York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.
When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.
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 York leads with Studio Art / Fine Arts (BFA) (16%).
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 York).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Criminal Justice, while New York University concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts. 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 York University?
New York University is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or New York University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $37,050 at New York University.
Do George Mason University or New York University graduates earn more?
New York University graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,509 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or New York University?
New York University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 69%.
George Mason University vs New York University: which is better for social mobility?
New York University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.6% versus 3.1%.
Should you choose George Mason University or New York University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose New York 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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