Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs University of Connecticut
- George Mason Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 8
- Connecticut Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Connecticut achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,097 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
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than University of Connecticut
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $7,182 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
Connecticut
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 52% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #251-275
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Connecticut 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 George Mason University over University of Connecticut. Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment vs $73,997.
Pick George Mason University over University of Connecticut. Net price $17,915 vs $25,097.
Pick University of Connecticut over George Mason University. THE World Rank #251-275 vs #301-350.
Pick George Mason University over University of Connecticut. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1.7%.
Pick University of Connecticut 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 University of Connecticut are close on paper, but George Mason University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Connecticut is the harder admit. It takes 52% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,348.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Connecticut 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 $7,182 a year below University of Connecticut's $25,097. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,728 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 $73,997 at University of Connecticut. That is a 3% 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 3% 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
University of Connecticut 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.
Moving people up
George Mason University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at University of Connecticut, it is 1.7%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.7%.
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, University of Connecticut sits higher, at #251 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.
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
University of Connecticut is harder to get into, with a 52% 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 University of Connecticut leans toward Social Sciences, Health Professions. 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 $25,097 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Connecticut's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Connecticut has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Mason holds onto its admits more tightly: 20% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Connecticut — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Connecticut 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. 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.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
More than 19,800 students call the University of Connecticut home, making it one of the largest public universities in New England. With an acceptance rate of 52%, it balances accessibility and selectivity, welcoming a diverse range of students to its Storrs campus.
Graduates from UConn see a strong return on investment, with a median earnings figure of $73,997 ten years after graduation. Although specific mobility rates are not available, the high graduation rate of 84% suggests that the majority of students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of positive outcomes for those who enroll.
Attending UConn costs an average net price of $25,097, while 25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to helping lower-income students access higher education. With a median debt of $21,500, graduates leave with manageable financial burdens. Students thrive in programs like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Engineering, where strong career paths are prevalent.
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 Connecticut 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 Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Connecticut).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while University of Connecticut concentrates in Health Professions, Engineering. 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 University of Connecticut?
University of Connecticut is harder to get into, admitting 52% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or University of Connecticut?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $25,097 at University of Connecticut.
Do George Mason University or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates earn more: median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or University of Connecticut?
University of Connecticut has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 69%.
George Mason University vs University of Connecticut: 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 1.7%.
Should you choose George Mason University or University of Connecticut?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Connecticut 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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