Head-to-head · 2026
George Mason University vs Patrick & Henry Community College
Compare average net price ($17,915 at George Mason University; $4,102 at Patrick & Henry Community College), ROI score (10.65 vs 20.31), ten-year median earnings ($76,343 vs $33,323), and admissions context (87.5% at George Mason University; Open / not reported at Patrick & Henry Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 2-2. Patrick & Henry Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | George Mason University | Patrick & Henry Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.65 | 20.31 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,915 | $4,102 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $76,343 ✓ | $33,323 |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% ✓ | 41.5% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | — |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 1,350 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1274 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
George Mason University costs $13,813 more per year than Patrick & Henry Community College ($17,915 vs $4,102). George Mason University graduates report $43,020 higher median earnings after ten years ($76,343 vs $33,323). On EduGradify's model that puts Patrick & Henry Community College ahead on projected ROI (20.31 vs 10.65, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Patrick & Henry Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, George Mason University reports 87.5% acceptance; Patrick & Henry Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
George Mason University vs Patrick & Henry Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is George Mason University or Patrick & Henry Community College the better value?
Patrick & Henry Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.31 vs 10.65), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Patrick & Henry Community College is cheaper — average net price $4,102 per year vs $17,915 at George Mason University. The annual difference of $13,813 adds up to about $55,252 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
George Mason University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $76,343 vs $33,323 at Patrick & Henry Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $43,020.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. George Mason University reports a B value grade; Patrick & Henry Community College reports A+.