George Mason University vs San Jose State 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, San Jose State University comes out ahead: 91/100 to 86/100, a 5-point edge over George Mason University. 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, San Jose State University runs $13,760 a year against $17,915 at George Mason University - $4,155 more a year, or about $16,620 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, San Jose State University graduates earn a median $78,988 against $76,343 at George Mason University. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at George Mason University and 4.4 years at San Jose State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave San Jose State University owing a median $15,000 versus $19,500 at George Mason University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.32 - 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 | 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
It's close. San Jose State University edges out George Mason University by 5 points (91 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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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.