Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- George Mason Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 16
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $42,513 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 $24,598 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 33% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 77% 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); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over George Mason University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $17,915 vs $42,513.
Pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over George Mason University. 80% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 77% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rose-Hulman 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, George Mason University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,915, about $24,598 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $98,392 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 33% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 33% 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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 80% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% 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 George Mason University to keep costs and debt down; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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. George Mason University saves about $24,598 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $24,910 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 Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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 Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (73%).
George Mason
Rose-Hulman Technology
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 Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 77% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do George Mason University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 69%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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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