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George Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

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

12
George Wins
13
Tied / N/A
21
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Southeast
27,752
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1274
SAT Average
1480
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1160-1360
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$17,915
Average Net Price
$21,565
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
30%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
95%
86%
Retention Rate
98%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
30%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

56%
Female
55%
32%
White
49%
18%
Hispanic
8%
13%
Black
8%
23%
Asian
20%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$19,500
Median Debt
$17,500
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
77%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

309.01%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5028.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$107,500
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.75
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
N/A
29.3
Teaching Score
N/A
17.7
Research Score
N/A
42.6
Citations Score
N/A

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 Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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