George Mason University vs William & Mary
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
William & Mary 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, George Mason University comes in at $17,915 per year (net price after aid) versus $19,096 at William & Mary - a difference of $1,181 annually, or roughly $4,724 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median of $76,343 compared to $73,490 at William & Mary. The payback period is 5.1 years at George Mason University versus 5.6 years at William & Mary.
Graduates leave William & Mary with a median $18,500 in debt versus $19,500 at George Mason University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.39 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | George Mason University | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,220 | $25,914 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,688 | $51,038 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,915 | $19,096 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $71,660 | $76,384 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,000 | $47,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $76,343 | $73,490 |
| Graduation Rate | 67.8% | 89.4% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 5.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.41 | 0.39 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 86.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.3% | 88.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 87.5% | 34.1% |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 7,055 |
| SAT Range | 1160-1360 | 1400-1530 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | George Mason Univers... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $11,942 | $3,106 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,093 | $881 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,224 | $5,916 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,430 | $16,803 |
| $110,001+ | $25,894 | $34,370 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | George Mason Univers... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $84,632 | $127,851 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,224 | $111,366 |
| Economics | $87,548 | $105,467 |
| Physics | $96,138 | $77,863 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $69,399 | $91,065 |
| Sociology | $64,603 | $87,655 |
| Mathematics | $77,519 | $87,170 |
| Chemistry | $77,681 | $78,270 |
| International Relations | $74,125 | $72,173 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $63,672 | $68,992 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $68,546 | $52,161 |
| Biology | $64,301 | $49,644 |
| History | $51,168 | $63,632 |
| Psychology | $62,563 | $59,226 |
| English Language and Literature | $56,071 | $57,616 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | George Mason Univers... | William & Mary |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 90 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 91 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 85 | 88 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 74 | 96 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 90 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 91 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. William & Mary 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
William & Mary
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.