George Mason University vs Virginia Commonwealth University
Both universities offer accessible admission with acceptance rates around 90-91%, making them viable options for most qualified applicants.
Cost and Value
George Mason charges $13,815 for in-state tuition compared to VCU's $16,458, saving Virginia residents about $2,600 annually. Out-of-state costs are nearly identical at approximately $39,000. George Mason provides better financial value with an average net price of $18,287 versus VCU's $19,452. Students graduate from George Mason with slightly lower debt loads ($19,500 vs $21,500).
Academic Performance
George Mason demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 69.3% six-year graduation rate compared to VCU's 65.4%. Student retention rates favor George Mason at 87.35% versus 85.63%. Both maintain similar class sizes with student-faculty ratios of 16:1 and 17:1 respectively.
Campus Experience
George Mason serves 27,083 students in suburban Fairfax, while VCU hosts 20,797 students in urban Richmond. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics, providing comprehensive collegiate experiences.
Career Outcomes
George Mason graduates earn significantly more, with median earnings of $76,343 ten years post-graduation compared to VCU's $58,128. This $18,000 annual difference represents a substantial return on investment advantage.
George Mason suits students prioritizing career earnings potential and suburban campus life, while VCU appeals to those seeking urban experiences and creative programs in Richmond's cultural environment.
Both universities offer accessible admission with acceptance rates around 90-91%, making them viable options for most qualified applicants.
Cost and Value
George Mason charges $13,815 for in-state tuition compared to VCU's $16,458, saving Virginia residents about $2,600 annually. Out-of-state costs are nearly identical at approximately $39,000. George Mason provides better financial value with an average net price of $18,287 versus VCU's $19,452. Students graduate from George Mason with slightly lower debt loads ($19,500 vs $21,500).
Academic Performance
George Mason demonstrates stronger academic outcomes with a 69.3% six-year graduation rate compared to VCU's 65.4%. Student retention rates favor George Mason at 87.35% versus 85.63%. Both maintain similar class sizes with student-faculty ratios of 16:1 and 17:1 respectively.
Campus Experience
George Mason serves 27,083 students in suburban Fairfax, while VCU hosts 20,797 students in urban Richmond. Both compete in NCAA Division I athletics, providing comprehensive collegiate experiences.
Career Outcomes
George Mason graduates earn significantly more, with median earnings of $76,343 ten years post-graduation compared to VCU's $58,128. This $18,000 annual difference represents a substantial return on investment advantage.
George Mason suits students prioritizing career earnings potential and suburban campus life, while VCU appeals to those seeking urban experiences and creative programs in Richmond's cultural environment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| George Mason University | Virginia Commonwealth University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 90.0% | 91.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,245 | 1,160 |
| Enrollment | 27,083 | 20,797 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,815 | $16,458 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $39,397 | $39,042 |
| Net Price | $18,287 | $19,452 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.3% | 65.4% |
| Retention Rate | 87.4% | 85.6% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $76,343 | $58,128 |
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $21,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| George Mason University | Virginia Commonwealth University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Computer Science. | $78,343 | Computer Engineering. | $76,460 |
| Systems Engineering. | $74,576 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $71,734 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | $69,338 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $69,338 |
| Computer Engineering. | $69,338 | Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | $66,073 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,104 | Mechanical Engineering. | $63,631 |