Head-to-head · 2026
George Mason University vs Virginia Military Institute
Compare average net price ($17,915 at George Mason University; $17,113 at Virginia Military Institute), ROI score (10.65 vs 11.30), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($76,343 vs $77,369), and admissions selectivity (87.5% acceptance at George Mason University; 71.3% at Virginia Military Institute) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | George Mason University | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.65 | 11.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,915 | $17,113 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $71,660 | $68,452 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $14,220 | $21,046 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $38,688 | $52,638 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $76,343 | $77,369 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 71.3% |
| Graduation rate | 67.8% | 76.2% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 86% ✓ | 81% |
| Median debt | $19,500 ✓ | $22,996 |
| Enrollment | 27,752 | 1,527 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1274 | 1244 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | George Mason University | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,942 ✓ | $12,697 |
| Family income $30–48k | $12,093 | $9,246 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,224 | $12,162 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $19,430 | $13,385 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $25,894 | $23,434 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | George Mason University | Virginia Military Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | 1.2% | 14.5% |
| Psychology, General | 4.6% | 9.9% |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | 2.4% | 11.4% |
| Economics | 1.6% | 10.9% |
| Biology, General | 4.1% | 7.9% |
| History | 1.1% | 8.6% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 0.7% | 7.6% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 1% | 5.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Virginia Military Institute reports the lower average net price by $802 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $3,208 difference over four years ($68,452 vs $71,660).
Virginia Military Institute reports $1,026 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($77,369 vs $76,343). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 86% at George Mason University and 81% at Virginia Military Institute. Median federal debt among completers is $19,500 vs $22,996, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
George Mason University vs Virginia Military Institute, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Virginia Military Institute is cheaper — average net price $17,113 per year vs $17,915 at George Mason University. The annual difference of $802 adds up to about $3,208 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Virginia Military Institute reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $77,369 vs $76,343 at George Mason University. The gap in the federal data is $1,026. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Virginia Military Institute is more selective at 71.3% acceptance vs 87.5% at George Mason University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.