George Mason University vs William & Mary
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, William & Mary 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, George Mason University runs $17,915 a year against $19,096 at William & Mary - $1,181 more a year, or about $4,724 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median $76,343 against $73,490 at William & Mary. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at George Mason University and 5.6 years at William & Mary.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave William & Mary owing a median $18,500 versus $19,500 at George Mason University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.41 and 0.39 - 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 | 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
It's close. William & Mary 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.
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
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.