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George Mason University vs Washington University in St Louis

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

16
George Wins
5
Tied / N/A
25
Washington Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Southeast
Region
Plains
27,752
Enrollment
7,857
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

87%
Acceptance Rate
12%
1274
SAT Average
1530
28
ACT Midpoint
34
1160-1360
SAT Range
1500-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$14,220
In-State Tuition
$65,790
$38,688
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,790
$17,915
Average Net Price
$21,786
$11,942
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,716
$12,093
Net Price ($30-48K)
$1,928
$15,224
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,578
$25,894
Net Price ($110K+)
$42,170
30%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
31%
Federal Loan Rate
12%

Academics

69%
Graduation Rate
94%
86%
Retention Rate
95%
53%
Full-Time Faculty
73%
$14,486
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,945
30%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

56%
Female
53%
32%
White
40%
18%
Hispanic
13%
13%
Black
9%
23%
Asian
21%
0.79
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$60,536
Earnings (6yr)
$78,073
$68,053
Earnings (8yr)
$81,347
$76,343
Earnings (10yr)
$86,182
$19,500
Median Debt
$17,500
0.26x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
77%
Earning Above HS
84%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

309.01%
Mobility Rate
103.72%
5028.1%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5350.8%
614.6%
From Bottom 20%
193.8%
$107,500
Parent Median Income
$180,200

Social Capital

1.75
Economic Connectedness
1.83
-0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
11.1%

Research (Times HE)

#301-350
World Rank
#38
29.3
Teaching Score
58.9
17.7
Research Score
63
42.6
Citations Score
88.6

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.

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit

12% accept 94% grad $86,182 earnings $21,786 net

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.

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