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George Mason University vs Santa Clara University

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

20
George Wins
8
Tied / N/A
18
Santa Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Far West
27,752
Enrollment
6,552
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
48%
1274
SAT Average
1426
28
ACT Midpoint
32
1160-1360
SAT Range
1350-1490

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$61,293
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,293
$17,915
Average Net Price
$50,062
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$22,985
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$19,154
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$26,531
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$60,678
30%
Pell Grant Rate
11%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
37%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
88%
86%
Retention Rate
94%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
72%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,682
30%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

56%
Female
54%
32%
White
37%
18%
Hispanic
20%
13%
Black
3%
23%
Asian
21%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.77

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$91,198
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$99,543
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$109,183
$19,500
Median Debt
$19,162
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.18x
77%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

309.01%
Mobility Rate
224.68%
5028.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6203.6%
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
362.2%
$107,500
Parent Median Income
$149,900

Social Capital

1.75
Economic Connectedness
1.89
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
6.6%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
N/A
29.3
Teaching Score
N/A
17.7
Research Score
N/A
42.6
Citations Score
N/A

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.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit

48% accept 88% grad $109,183 earnings $50,062 net

Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.

The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.

Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.

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