Head-to-head · 2026
George Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for George Mason University, 5 for University of Virginia-Main Campus — University of Virginia-Main Campus has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | George Mason University | University of Virginia-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.65 ✓ | 10.07 |
| Avg net price | $17,915 ✓ | $21,565 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $76,343 | $86,863 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 16.8% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% | 95.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $17,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 17,597 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1274 | 1480 ✓ |
| Wins | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Virginia-Main Campus costs $3,650 more per year than George Mason University ($21,565 vs $17,915). University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates report $10,520 higher median earnings after ten years ($86,863 vs $76,343). On EduGradify's model that puts George Mason University ahead on projected ROI (10.65 vs 10.07, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (George Mason University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, George Mason University is accessible at 87.5% acceptance versus 16.8% (selective) at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
George Mason University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is George Mason University or University of Virginia-Main Campus the better value?
George Mason University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.65 vs 10.07), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
George Mason University is cheaper — average net price $17,915 per year vs $21,565 at University of Virginia-Main Campus. The annual difference of $3,650 adds up to about $14,600 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Virginia-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $86,863 vs $76,343 at George Mason University. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,520.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia-Main Campus is more selective at 16.8% acceptance vs 87.5% at George Mason University.
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; University of Virginia-Main Campus reports B.