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George Mason University vs Princeton University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

13
George Wins
7
Tied / N/A
26
Princeton Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Mid-Atlantic
27,752
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1274
SAT Average
1553
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1160-1360
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$17,915
Average Net Price
$6,128
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
30%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
97%
86%
Retention Rate
98%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
30%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

56%
Female
51%
32%
White
34%
18%
Hispanic
10%
13%
Black
9%
23%
Asian
23%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$19,500
Median Debt
$10,320
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
77%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

309.01%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
5028.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$107,500
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.75
Economic Connectedness
1.88
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
#5
29.3
Teaching Score
90.9
17.7
Research Score
95.4
42.6
Citations Score
99.9

The Overviews

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public

87% accept 69% grad $76,343 earnings $17,915 net

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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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