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George Mason University vs University of Notre Dame

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

17
George Wins
6
Tied / N/A
23
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Great Lakes
27,752
Enrollment
8,818
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
11%
1274
SAT Average
1520
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1160-1360
SAT Range
1455-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$65,025
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,025
$17,915
Average Net Price
$26,780
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,244
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,254
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$11,432
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,321
30%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
25%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
96%
86%
Retention Rate
99%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,830
30%
First-Gen Students
10%

Student Body

56%
Female
46%
32%
White
59%
18%
Hispanic
15%
13%
Black
5%
23%
Asian
6%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$86,210
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$94,844
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$99,980
$19,500
Median Debt
$19,000
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
77%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

309.01%
Mobility Rate
89.73%
5028.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6239.9%
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
143.8%
$107,500
Parent Median Income
$165,400

Social Capital

1.75
Economic Connectedness
1.46
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
4.3%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
#63
29.3
Teaching Score
56.4
17.7
Research Score
45.1
42.6
Citations Score
89.1

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.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit

11% accept 96% grad $99,980 earnings $26,780 net

The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.

According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.

Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.

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