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George Mason University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

13
George Wins
9
Tied / N/A
24
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Great Lakes
27,752
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1274
SAT Average
1427
28
ACT Midpoint
29
1160-1360
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$17,915
Average Net Price
$17,354
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
30%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
89%
86%
Retention Rate
96%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
30%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

56%
Female
53%
32%
White
59%
18%
Hispanic
9%
13%
Black
2%
23%
Asian
11%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$19,500
Median Debt
$20,484
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
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
1.78
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
#27
29.3
Teaching Score
74.3
17.7
Research Score
77.3
42.6
Citations Score
90.6

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 Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

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