California State University-Fullerton vs George Mason University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: California State University-Fullerton and George Mason University come out about even on financial return. California State University-Fullerton scores 88/100 and George Mason University scores 86/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Fullerton runs $6,555 a year against $17,915 at George Mason University - $11,360 more a year, or about $45,440 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median $76,343 against $62,951 at California State University-Fullerton. The cost earns itself back in 5.9 years at California State University-Fullerton and 5.1 years at George Mason University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Fullerton owing a median $13,750 versus $19,500 at George Mason University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.36 and 0.41 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Universi... | George Mason University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $7,470 | $14,220 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,070 | $38,688 |
| Net Price (avg) | $6,555 | $17,915 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $26,220 | $71,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $38,500 | $47,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $62,951 | $76,343 |
| Graduation Rate | 70.2% | 67.8% |
| Payback Period | 5.9 yr | 5.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $13,750 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $146 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.36 | 0.41 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 76.6% | 80.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 72.9% | 78.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 90.5% | 87.5% |
| Enrollment | 38,546 | 27,752 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Uni... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $3,315 | $11,942 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $4,123 | $12,093 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $6,090 | $15,224 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $8,930 | $19,430 |
| $110,001+ | $15,631 | $25,894 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Uni... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $119,353 | $89,878 |
| Computer Engineering | $101,408 | $117,942 |
| Electrical Engineering | $92,618 | $103,074 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $83,878 | $97,049 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $86,808 | $96,467 |
| Physics | $86,504 | $96,138 |
| Civil Engineering | $95,854 | $93,856 |
| Economics | $71,595 | $87,548 |
| Computer Science | $87,460 | $84,632 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $71,646 | $85,224 |
| Mathematics | $80,055 | $77,519 |
| Chemistry | $64,857 | $77,681 |
| Geography and Cartography | $48,979 | $74,692 |
| International Relations | $53,966 | $74,125 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,135 | $69,511 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 98 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 93 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 85 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 78 | 74 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 60 | 71 |
| Overall ROI Score | 88 | 86 |
The Verdict
It's close. California State University-Fullerton edges out George Mason University by 2 points (88 vs 86), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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California State University-Fullerton
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
George Mason University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.