Head-to-head · 2026
George Mason University vs Virginia Peninsula Community College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for George Mason University, 3 for Virginia Peninsula Community College — Virginia Peninsula Community College 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 | Virginia Peninsula Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.65 | 13.55 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,915 | $7,012 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $76,343 ✓ | $37,996 |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% ✓ | 33.9% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $9,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 3,941 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1274 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
George Mason University costs $10,903 more per year than Virginia Peninsula Community College ($17,915 vs $7,012). George Mason University graduates report $38,347 higher median earnings after ten years ($76,343 vs $37,996). On EduGradify's model that puts Virginia Peninsula Community College ahead on projected ROI (13.55 vs 10.65, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Virginia Peninsula 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; Virginia Peninsula Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
George Mason University vs Virginia Peninsula Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is George Mason University or Virginia Peninsula Community College the better value?
Virginia Peninsula Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (13.55 vs 10.65), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Virginia Peninsula Community College is cheaper — average net price $7,012 per year vs $17,915 at George Mason University. The annual difference of $10,903 adds up to about $43,612 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
George Mason University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $76,343 vs $37,996 at Virginia Peninsula Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $38,347.
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 Peninsula Community College reports A.