George Mason University vs Washington 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: George Mason University and Washington State University come out about even on financial return. George Mason University scores 86/100 and Washington State University scores 84/100 - 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, Washington State University runs $14,971 a year against $17,915 at George Mason University - $2,944 more a year, or about $11,776 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median $76,343 against $68,905 at Washington State University. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at George Mason University and 5.9 years at Washington State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Washington State University owing a median $19,500 versus $19,500 at George Mason University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.44 - 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 | Washington State Universi... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,220 | $13,391 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,688 | $29,950 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,915 | $14,971 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $71,660 | $59,884 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,000 | $44,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $76,343 | $68,905 |
| Graduation Rate | 67.8% | 60.5% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 5.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.44 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 82.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.3% | 78.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 87.5% | 86.6% |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 21,099 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | George Mason Univers... | Washington State Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,942 | $7,074 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,093 | $8,971 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,224 | $11,519 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,430 | $18,426 |
| $110,001+ | $25,894 | $24,726 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | George Mason Univers... | Washington State Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $84,632 | $119,686 |
| Computer Engineering | $117,942 | $114,635 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,074 | $104,354 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $96,467 | $93,971 |
| Civil Engineering | $93,856 | $91,879 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $93,533 | $30,778 |
| Registered Nursing | $89,878 | $91,495 |
| Accounting | $91,132 | $75,980 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $88,080 | $86,012 |
| Economics | $87,548 | $70,215 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,224 | $81,321 |
| Marketing | $69,210 | $76,595 |
| International Relations | $74,125 | $67,264 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,511 | $62,747 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $68,546 | $55,687 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | George Mason Univers... | Washington State Uni... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 90 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 83 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 74 | 61 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 77 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 84 |
The Verdict
It's close. George Mason University edges out Washington State University by 2 points (86 vs 84), 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.
George Mason University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Washington State 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.