Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- George Mason Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 18
- Southern New Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,915 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, George Mason University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, 52% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $18,793 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 69% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 87% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Southern New in Business & Marketing (35%). 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 Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick George Mason University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $17,915 vs $36,708.
Pick George Mason University over Southern New Hampshire University. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick George Mason University over Southern New Hampshire University. 69% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Mason University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but George Mason University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
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 $18,793 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $75,172 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, George Mason University graduates report median earnings of $76,343, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 52% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 52% 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
George Mason University graduates a larger share of its students, 69% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 25% 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.
Moving people up
George Mason University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Mason University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Mason University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Criminal Justice, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — George Mason competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds George Mason University's 27,752.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; George Mason does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 163,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a place where a diverse range of learners can thrive, particularly those pursuing degrees in Business & Marketing, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, and Health Professions. The school's 100% acceptance rate opens the door for many, creating an inclusive atmosphere. This setup is ideal for students looking for flexibility in their education, whether they’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after some time away.
After graduation, students at SNHU can expect to earn around $50,318 within a decade, which is a decent starting point for many. This aligns well with the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs. While the graduation rate sits at 44%, those who complete their degrees are often better positioned for upward mobility in the job market, especially in fields like business and technology. The affordability factor plays a role here, too, as nearly half of the students receive Pell Grants, which can make a significant difference in financing education.
When it comes to the cost of attending SNHU, the net price is approximately $36,708 after financial aid, which can seem daunting at first glance. However, the median debt upon graduation is $21,082, a figure that many find manageable in the context of their potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those looking for a supportive environment and a clear path to career opportunities, making it a solid choice for individuals ready to invest in their future.
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 35% of Southern New's.
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 Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Psychology, Humanities. 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 Southern New Hampshire University?
George Mason University is harder to get into, admitting 87% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Southern New Hampshire University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do George Mason University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates earn more: median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Southern New Hampshire University?
George Mason University has the higher graduation rate, 69% versus 44%.
George Mason University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
George Mason University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.1% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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