Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Union College
- George Mason Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 18
- Union Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Union College achieves a higher graduation rate (83% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $34,561 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 $16,646 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
Union
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 44% 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); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College over George Mason University. Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Union College. Net price $17,915 vs $34,561.
Pick Union College over George Mason University. 83% 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 Union College are close on paper, but Union College 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
Union College is the harder admit. It takes 44% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,395.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Union College 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 $16,646 a year below Union College's $34,561. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $66,584 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, Union College graduates report median earnings of $88,604, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% 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
Union College graduates a larger share of its students, 83% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Mason University to keep costs and debt down; pick Union College for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. George Mason University saves about $16,646 a year, yet Union College graduates earn $12,261 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Union College leans toward Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $34,561 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Union College's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Union College has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
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 Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Union College concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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 Union College?
Union College is harder to get into, admitting 44% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Union College?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $34,561 at Union College.
Do George Mason University or Union College graduates earn more?
Union College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Union College?
Union College has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 69%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Union College 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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