Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Texas A&M University-College Station
- George Mason Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 20
- Texas A&M Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Texas A&M University-College Station achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,315 compared to George Mason University's $17,915. Students who choose George Mason University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $76,343 at ten years.
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, 6% more than Texas A&M University-College Station
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $3,400 a year less
Texas A&M
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 57% 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); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). 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 Texas A&M University-College Station. Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment vs $72,097.
Pick George Mason University over Texas A&M University-College Station. Net price $17,915 vs $21,315.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over George Mason University. 84% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station 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
Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,280.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station 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 $3,400 a year below Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,600 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 $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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.
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
Their academic identities diverge. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,315 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds George Mason University's 27,752.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at George Mason — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at George Mason, where only about 21% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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.
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
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 Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).
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 Texas A&M).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $21,315 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Do George Mason University or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates earn more: median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, versus $72,097 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 69%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Texas A&M University-College Station?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Texas A&M University-College Station if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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