Iowa State University vs George Mason 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
George Mason University holds a 7-point ROI advantage over Iowa State University, scoring 86/100 versus 79/100. 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 $18,589 at Iowa State University - a difference of $674 annually, or roughly $2,696 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, George Mason University graduates earn a median of $76,343 compared to $63,386 at Iowa State University. The payback period is 7.6 years at Iowa State University versus 5.1 years at George Mason University.
Graduates leave George Mason University with a median $19,500 in debt versus $22,869 at Iowa State University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.41 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Iowa State University | George Mason University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $10,787 | $14,220 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,881 | $38,688 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,589 | $17,915 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $74,356 | $71,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,000 | $47,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,386 | $76,343 |
| Graduation Rate | 75.3% | 67.8% |
| Payback Period | 7.6 yr | 5.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,869 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $242 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.41 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 84.5% | 80.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.7% | 78.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 88.7% | 87.5% |
| Enrollment | 25,367 | 27,752 |
| SAT Range | 1120-1360 | 1160-1360 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Iowa State Universit... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,582 | $11,942 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $11,506 | $12,093 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $15,463 | $15,224 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,605 | $19,430 |
| $110,001+ | $22,496 | $25,894 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Iowa State Universit... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $105,753 | $117,942 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $83,267 | $110,754 |
| Computer Science | $104,211 | $84,632 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,705 | $103,074 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $85,938 | $96,467 |
| Civil Engineering | $85,427 | $93,856 |
| Accounting | $70,706 | $91,132 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,360 | $88,080 |
| Economics | $75,355 | $87,548 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $78,304 | $85,224 |
| Chemistry | $66,486 | $77,681 |
| Mathematics | $62,261 | $77,519 |
| International Relations | $57,752 | $74,125 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $69,673 | $62,383 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $61,166 | $69,511 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Iowa State Universit... | George Mason Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 80 | 92 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 79 | 93 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 69 | 85 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 74 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 84 | 71 |
| Overall ROI Score | 79 | 86 |
The Verdict
George Mason University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (86 vs 79). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Iowa State University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Iowa State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
George Mason 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.