Head-to-Head Comparison
George Mason University vs Washington University in St Louis
- George Mason Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 10
- Washington St Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington University in St Louis achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $21,786 compared to George Mason University's $17,915. Students who choose George Mason University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $76,343 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $3,871 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
Washington St
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, 13% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #38
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Mason graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (18% of degrees); Washington St in Engineering (14%). 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 Washington University in St Louis over George Mason University. Median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Washington University in St Louis. Net price $17,915 vs $21,786.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over George Mason University. THE World Rank #38 vs #301-350.
Pick George Mason University over Washington University in St Louis. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1%.
Pick Washington University in St Louis over George Mason University. 94% 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 Washington University in St Louis are close on paper, but Washington University in St Louis 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
Washington University in St Louis is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,274 to 1,530.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Washington University in St Louis 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 $3,871 a year below Washington University in St Louis's $21,786. Graduates of Washington University in St Louis also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,484 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, Washington University in St Louis graduates report median earnings of $86,182, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 13% advantage. Set against borrowing, Washington University in St Louis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 13% 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
Washington University in St Louis graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 26% 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 Washington University in St Louis, it is 1%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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, Washington University in St Louis sits higher, at #38 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; pick Washington University in St Louis 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. George Mason University saves about $3,871 a year, yet Washington University in St Louis graduates earn $9,839 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into, with a 12% 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 Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Washington University in St Louis leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Washington University in St Louis has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Washington University in St Louis's 7,857.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $21,786 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Washington University in St Louis's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Washington University in St Louis has less business program depth, and George Mason University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington St holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at George Mason — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Washington St 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) 6 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.
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Washington University in St. Louis attracts driven students looking for a rigorous academic environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in fields like engineering, biology, social sciences, computer science, and business. The graduation rate of 94% reflects a supportive community that helps students succeed and achieve their goals.
Life after graduation looks promising, with alumni reporting an average earnings of $86,182 ten years out. This figure highlights the potential for financial stability in a variety of career paths. While nearly 18% of students receive Pell Grants, the school’s commitment to affordability helps ensure that students from different economic backgrounds can thrive.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,786, and the median debt for graduates is $17,500. This manageable debt load suggests that students here often leave school with a solid foundation for their financial futures. Those who tend to thrive are often self-motivated and eager to engage deeply with their studies and the campus community.
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 Washington St leads with Mechanical Engineering (14%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington St).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Mason University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, while Washington University in St Louis concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, George Mason University or Washington University in St Louis?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $21,786 at Washington University in St Louis.
Do George Mason University or Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more?
Washington University in St Louis graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,182 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Mason University or Washington University in St Louis?
Washington University in St Louis has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 69%.
George Mason University vs Washington University in St Louis: 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%.
Should you choose George Mason University or Washington University in St Louis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Washington University in St Louis 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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