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Compare colleges

Up to 4 at once. Figures are from the 2022-23 reporting year and are averages, so they will differ from what any one student pays or experiences.

  • George Mason University
  • University of Virginia-Main Campus

What stands out

George Mason University has the lower average net price, University of Virginia-Main Campus reports the higher graduation rate, University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years on, while University of Virginia-Main Campus leaves graduates with less median federal debt. Which of those matters more depends on what you need, and none of it predicts your own cost or your own chance of admission.

George Mason University compared with University of Virginia-Main Campus
MetricGeorge Mason UniversityFairfax, VAPublic · 4-yearLowest net priceUniversity of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville, VAPublic · 4-yearHighest graduation rateHighest retentionLowest median debtHighest median earnings
Cost
Average net priceWhat students on federal aid actually paid per year, after grants.$17,915lowest$21,565
Published costSticker price before aid. Few students pay it.$28,604$39,926
In-state tuition$14,220$21,803
Out-of-state tuition$38,688$59,512
Admissions
Acceptance rate87%17%
SAT midpoint1,2451,440
ACT midpoint2834
Outcomes
Graduation rateWithin 150% of normal time. Excludes transfer students.69%95%highest
Retention rateFirst-year students who come back for a second year.86%98%highest
Median debt at graduationFederal loans only. Private and parent loans are not included.$19,500$17,500lowest
Median earnings, 10 yrsReflects the subjects a college teaches and where it sits, not only its teaching.$76,343$86,863highest
Campus
Undergraduates27,75217,597

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, 2022-23. Blank figures mean the college did not report that measure, not that the value is zero. Acceptance rate and enrollment carry no highlight because neither a lower acceptance rate nor a larger campus is better in itself. How this works.