Head-to-head · 2026
George Mason University vs University of Virginia's College at Wise
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for George Mason University, 4 for University of Virginia's College at Wise — University of Virginia's College at Wise 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's College at Wise |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.65 | 12.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,915 | $9,210 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $76,343 ✓ | $45,325 |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 28.5% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% ✓ | 47.1% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $16,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 1,101 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1274 ✓ | 1050 |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
George Mason University costs $8,705 more per year than University of Virginia's College at Wise ($17,915 vs $9,210). George Mason University graduates report $31,018 higher median earnings after ten years ($76,343 vs $45,325). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Virginia's College at Wise ahead on projected ROI (12.30 vs 10.65, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Virginia's College at Wise) 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 28.5% (selective) at University of Virginia's College at Wise.
Frequently asked
George Mason University vs University of Virginia's College at Wise, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is George Mason University or University of Virginia's College at Wise the better value?
University of Virginia's College at Wise has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.30 vs 10.65), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is cheaper — average net price $9,210 per year vs $17,915 at George Mason University. The annual difference of $8,705 adds up to about $34,820 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
George Mason University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $76,343 vs $45,325 at University of Virginia's College at Wise. The annual gap in the federal data is $31,018.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Virginia's College at Wise is more selective at 28.5% 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's College at Wise reports A.