Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs University of Georgia
- George Mason Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 8
- Georgia Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,936 vs George Mason University's $17,915, University of Georgia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia'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, 11% more than University of Georgia
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $3,979 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 38% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #201-225
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). 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 Georgia. Median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over George Mason University. Net price $13,936 vs $17,915.
Pick University of Georgia over George Mason University. THE World Rank #201-225 vs #301-350.
Pick George Mason University over University of Georgia. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1.1%.
Pick University of Georgia over George Mason University. 89% 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 Georgia are close on paper, but University of Georgia 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 Georgia is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,397.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Georgia 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, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $3,979 a year below George Mason University's $17,915. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,916 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia 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 $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 11% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.27x.
So what: An earnings gap of 11% 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 Georgia graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 20% 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 Georgia, it is 1.1%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3%.
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 Georgia sits higher, at #201 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 University of Georgia to keep costs and debt down; pick George Mason 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. University of Georgia saves about $3,979 a year, yet George Mason University graduates earn $7,617 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
University of Georgia is harder to get into, with a 38% 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.
Research prestige does not track graduate pay in this pairing. University of Georgia ranks higher globally (#201-225 vs #301-350), but George Mason University alumni out-earn theirs ten years after enrollment. For undergraduates outside research careers, the rank is the weaker guide.
Their academic identities diverge. George Mason University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while University of Georgia leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,915 runs well above University of Georgia's $13,936.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Georgia's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Georgia 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.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
George Mason University is featured on the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 18% of George Mason's student body and 29% of Georgia's.
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 Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences, while University of Georgia concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Communications, Psychology. 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 Georgia?
University of Georgia is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $17,915 at George Mason University.
Do George Mason University or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates earn more: median earnings of $76,343 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 69%.
George Mason University vs University of Georgia: 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 1.1%.
Should you choose George Mason University or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Mason 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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