Head-to-head · 2026
George Mason University vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($17,915 at George Mason University; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (10.65 vs 11.30), ten-year median earnings ($76,343 vs $77,369), and admissions selectivity (87.5% acceptance at George Mason University; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. Virginia Military Institute has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Virginia Military Institute has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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 | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.65 | 11.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,915 | $17,113 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $76,343 | $77,369 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 71.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% | 76.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 ✓ | $22,996 |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1274 ✓ | 1244 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
George Mason University costs $802 more per year than Virginia Military Institute ($17,915 vs $17,113). Virginia Military Institute graduates report $1,026 higher median earnings after ten years ($77,369 vs $76,343). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Military Institute ahead on projected ROI (11.30 vs 10.65, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Virginia Military Institute) 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 71.3% (accessible) at Virginia Military Institute.
Frequently asked
George Mason University vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is George Mason University or Virginia Military Institute the better value?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.30 vs 10.65), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Virginia Military Institute is cheaper — average net price $17,113 per year vs $17,915 at George Mason University. The annual difference of $802 adds up to about $3,208 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $76,343 at George Mason University. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,026.
Which school is harder to get into?
Virginia Military Institute is more selective at 71.3% 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; Virginia Military Institute reports A.