George Mason University vs Christopher Newport University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
George Mason University holds a 22-point ROI advantage over Christopher Newport University, scoring 86/100 versus 64/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, George Mason University comes in at $17,915 per year (net price after aid) versus $23,015 at Christopher Newport University - a difference of $5,100 annually, or roughly $20,400 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median of $76,343 compared to $60,509 at Christopher Newport University. The payback period is 5.1 years at George Mason University versus 9.1 years at Christopher Newport University.
Graduates leave George Mason University with a median $19,500 in debt versus $25,000 at Christopher Newport University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.64 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | George Mason University | Christopher Newport Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,220 | $16,828 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,688 | $31,178 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,915 | $23,015 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $71,660 | $92,060 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,000 | $39,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $76,343 | $60,509 |
| Graduation Rate | 67.8% | 71.6% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 9.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $25,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $265 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.64 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 83.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.3% | 82.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 87.5% | 86.0% |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 4,365 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1360 | 1060-1290 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | George Mason Univers... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,942 | $12,461 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,093 | $12,752 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,224 | $14,163 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,430 | $22,776 |
| $110,001+ | $25,894 | $30,584 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | George Mason Univers... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $84,632 | $101,900 |
| Economics | $87,548 | $75,365 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,224 | $81,840 |
| Chemistry | $77,681 | $66,171 |
| International Relations | $74,125 | $65,241 |
| Sociology | $64,603 | $55,057 |
| Biology | $64,301 | $55,657 |
| Music | $46,765 | $63,852 |
| Psychology | $62,563 | $53,600 |
| Linguistic and Comparative Language Studies | $58,931 | $53,564 |
| English Language and Literature | $56,071 | $55,379 |
| Social Work | $55,715 | $48,212 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $54,703 | $42,907 |
| History | $51,168 | $52,458 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | George Mason Univers... | Christopher Newport ... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 61 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 67 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 43 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 74 | 81 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 80 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 64 |
The Verdict
George Mason University significantly outperforms Christopher Newport University on financial ROI (86 vs 64). The 22-point gap reflects meaningfully better outcomes in earnings relative to cost. Unless Christopher Newport University offers something compelling for your specific situation - a top program in your major, a full scholarship, or non-financial factors that matter to you - the data favors George Mason University.
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George Mason University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Christopher Newport University
Fair 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.