Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Ohio State University-Main Campus
- George Mason Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 15
- Ohio State Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,339 vs George Mason University's $17,915, Ohio State University-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Ohio State University-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $60,409 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Mason
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, 26% more than Ohio State University
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
Ohio State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,339, roughly $576 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 61% 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); Ohio State 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 George Mason University over Ohio State University. Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment vs $60,409.
Pick Ohio State University over George Mason University. Net price $17,339 vs $17,915.
Pick Ohio State 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 Ohio State University are close on paper, but Ohio State University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Ohio State University is the harder admit. It takes 61% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,387.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Ohio State 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, Ohio State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,339, about $576 a year below George Mason University's $17,915. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $19,976.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,304 before any change in aid. Choosing Ohio State University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates report median earnings of $76,343, compared with $60,409 at Ohio State University. That is a 26% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 26% 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
Ohio State 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Ohio State University to keep costs and debt down; pick George Mason University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Ohio State University saves about $576 a year, yet George Mason University graduates earn $15,934 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 Ohio State University leans toward Engineering, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Ohio State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Ohio State University's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Ohio State University's enrollment of 45,638 far exceeds George Mason University's 27,752.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Ohio State holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% 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) 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.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
With an enrollment of over 45,600 students, Ohio State University-Main Campus is a vibrant place for those seeking a large, diverse community. It attracts students who are eager to explore a variety of fields, especially in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 61% means there's a good chance for students to join this dynamic environment, where the graduation rate stands impressively at 88%.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn a median salary of $60,409 within ten years of completing their degree. This level of income can make a significant difference in improving one’s quality of life, particularly when the cost of attending is manageable. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, Ohio State shows a commitment to supporting those from lower-income backgrounds, providing pathways for upward mobility.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price after aid is approximately $17,339, which keeps college within reach for many families. The median debt load of $19,976 is relatively low compared to what students at other public institutions might face. This combination of affordability and strong outcomes makes Ohio State a fitting choice for motivated students who are ready to thrive in a collaborative and engaging setting.
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 18% of George Mason's student body and 20% of Ohio State's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Ohio State).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while Ohio State University concentrates in Engineering, Health Professions, 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 Ohio State University?
Ohio State University is harder to get into, admitting 61% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Ohio State University?
Ohio State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,339 after aid versus $17,915 at George Mason University.
Do George Mason University or Ohio State University graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates earn more: median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, versus $60,409 at Ohio State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Ohio State University?
Ohio State University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 69%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Ohio State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Ohio State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Mason 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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