Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- George Mason Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 20
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia achieves a higher graduation rate (79% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $29,689 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 $11,774 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
Saint Joseph's
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 79% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Saint Joseph's in Business & Marketing (39%). 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over George Mason University. Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Net price $17,915 vs $29,689.
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over George Mason University. 79% 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia are close on paper, but George Mason 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
George Mason University is the harder admit. It takes 87% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,258.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Mason 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 $11,774 a year below Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $47,096 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, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates report median earnings of $86,881, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates a larger share of its students, 79% 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 $11,774 a year, yet Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn $10,538 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leans toward Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $29,689 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
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.
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
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 39% of Saint Joseph's'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 Saint Joseph's).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates in Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. 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.
George Mason
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Mason University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
George Mason University is harder to get into, admitting 87% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $29,689 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Do George Mason University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia has the higher graduation rate, 79% versus 69%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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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