George Mason University vs San Jose State 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
San Jose State University holds a 5-point ROI advantage over George Mason University, scoring 91/100 versus 86/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, San Jose State University comes in at $13,760 per year (net price after aid) versus $17,915 at George Mason University - a difference of $4,155 annually, or roughly $16,620 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, San Jose State University graduates earn a median of $78,988 compared to $76,343 at George Mason University. The payback period is 5.1 years at George Mason University versus 4.4 years at San Jose State University.
Graduates leave San Jose State University with a median $15,000 in debt versus $19,500 at George Mason University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.32 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | George Mason University | San Jose State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,220 | $8,410 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,688 | $21,010 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,915 | $13,760 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $71,660 | $55,040 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,000 | $47,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $76,343 | $78,988 |
| Graduation Rate | 67.8% | 69.2% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 4.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $15,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $159 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.32 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 83.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.3% | 77.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 87.5% | 84.6% |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 27,601 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | George Mason Univers... | San Jose State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,942 | $9,730 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,093 | $10,114 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,224 | $12,099 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,430 | $15,102 |
| $110,001+ | $25,894 | $22,862 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | George Mason Univers... | San Jose State Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 96 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 96 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 93 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 74 | 77 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 81 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 91 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. San Jose State University edges out George Mason University by 5 points (91 vs 86), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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George Mason University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
San Jose State University
Exceptional 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.