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George Mason University vs Tufts University

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

17
George Wins
5
Tied / N/A
24
Tufts Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
New England
27,752
Enrollment
7,061
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
11%
1274
SAT Average
1513
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1160-1360
SAT Range
1470-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$70,704
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$70,704
$17,915
Average Net Price
$39,998
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$11,284
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,811
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$14,923
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$58,570
30%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
19%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
93%
86%
Retention Rate
96%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
64%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,205
30%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

56%
Female
46%
32%
White
41%
18%
Hispanic
10%
13%
Black
6%
23%
Asian
17%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.77

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$68,337
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$70,761
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$83,214
$19,500
Median Debt
$16,250
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
77%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

309.01%
Mobility Rate
212.66%
5028.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6216.7%
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
342.1%
$107,500
Parent Median Income
$187,900

Social Capital

1.75
Economic Connectedness
1.89
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
12.3%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
#53
29.3
Teaching Score
64.1
17.7
Research Score
52.3
42.6
Citations Score
83.9

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.

Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit

11% accept 93% grad $83,214 earnings $39,998 net

With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Tufts University attracts students who are ready to engage in a vibrant academic community. This school is ideal for those passionate about social sciences, engineering, biology and biomedical fields, computer science and IT, or the visual and performing arts. What stands out is the commitment to a well-rounded education that encourages exploration and interdisciplinary study, making it a great fit for curious minds eager to make an impact.

After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a 10-year median salary of $83,214. This figure highlights the strong return on investment for graduates. With a graduation rate of 93%, it's clear that students not only thrive academically but also transition successfully into their careers. While the Pell Grant rate is at 12%, indicating that a smaller percentage of students come from low-income backgrounds, those who do tend to find pathways to upward mobility in their professional lives.

Looking at the practical side, the net price of attending Tufts is around $39,998 after aid, which is significant but manageable for many. Graduates carry a median debt of $16,250, a figure that suggests a thoughtful balance between investment in education and financial responsibility. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are driven, engaged, and ready to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available on campus and beyond.

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