California State University-Sacramento 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
On the numbers, George Mason University comes out ahead: 86/100 to 83/100, a 3-point edge over California State University-Sacramento. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Sacramento runs $9,338 a year against $17,915 at George Mason University - $8,577 more a year, or about $34,308 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median $76,343 against $64,876 at California State University-Sacramento. The cost earns itself back in 5.9 years at California State University-Sacramento and 5.1 years at George Mason University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Sacramento owing a median $15,000 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 | $8,018 | $14,220 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,618 | $38,688 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,338 | $17,915 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,352 | $71,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,800 | $47,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,876 | $76,343 |
| Graduation Rate | 56.3% | 67.8% |
| Payback Period | 5.9 yr | 5.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.36 | 0.41 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.9% | 80.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.7% | 78.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 94.0% | 87.5% |
| Enrollment | 28,350 | 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 | $6,501 | $11,942 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,001 | $12,093 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,212 | $15,224 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $11,814 | $19,430 |
| $110,001+ | $18,861 | $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 | $129,960 | $89,878 |
| Computer Engineering | $104,394 | $117,942 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,512 | $103,074 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,878 | $96,467 |
| Physics | $64,133 | $96,138 |
| Civil Engineering | $93,973 | $93,856 |
| Computer Science | $92,519 | $84,632 |
| Economics | $70,290 | $87,548 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,636 | $85,224 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $82,062 | $59,979 |
| Chemistry | $74,430 | $77,681 |
| Mathematics | $59,162 | $77,519 |
| Geography and Cartography | $75,234 | $74,692 |
| International Relations | $60,278 | $74,125 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $73,418 | $53,441 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 93 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 85 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 53 | 74 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 71 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 86 |
The Verdict
It's close. George Mason University edges out California State University-Sacramento by 3 points (86 vs 83), 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.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
California State University-Sacramento
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.