Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Syracuse University
- George Mason Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 9
- Syracuse Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Syracuse University achieves a higher graduation rate (82% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,793 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 $20,878 a year less
- 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
Syracuse
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 82% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 46% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #177
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University over George Mason University. Median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Syracuse University. Net price $17,915 vs $38,793.
Pick Syracuse University over George Mason University. THE World Rank #177 vs #301-350.
Pick George Mason University over Syracuse University. 3.1% mobility rate vs 2.9%.
Pick Syracuse University over George Mason University. 82% 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 Syracuse University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Syracuse University is the harder admit. It takes 46% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,375.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Syracuse 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 $20,878 a year below Syracuse University's $38,793. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $83,512 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, Syracuse University graduates report median earnings of $79,164, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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
Syracuse University graduates a larger share of its students, 82% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 14% 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 Syracuse University, it is 2.9%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.7%.
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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Syracuse University sits higher, at #177 versus #301.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Mason University to keep costs and debt down; pick Syracuse University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. George Mason University saves about $20,878 a year, yet Syracuse University graduates earn $2,821 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Syracuse University is harder to get into, with a 46% admit rate, but George Mason University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.1%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Syracuse University leans toward Social Sciences, Communications. 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 Syracuse University's 15,477.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,793 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Syracuse University's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Syracuse University has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Syracuse 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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
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 Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Syracuse University concentrates in Communications, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is harder to get into, admitting 46% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Syracuse University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $38,793 at Syracuse University.
Do George Mason University or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Syracuse University graduates earn more: median earnings of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 69%.
George Mason University vs Syracuse 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 2.9%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Syracuse University 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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