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Head to head · Virginia

George Mason University vs Liberty University

George Mason University costs less than Liberty University at every income band federal data covers — between $4,651 and $18,725 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeGeorge Mason UniversityLiberty UniversityDifference
Under $30k$11,942$30,667$18,725
$30–48k$12,093$27,807$15,714
$48–75k$15,224$27,347$12,123
$75–110k$19,430$27,142$7,712
Over $110k$25,894$30,545$4,651

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

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Four years, at $75–110k

George Mason University$81,897
Liberty University$114,404
Difference over four years$32,506

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate87% · 99%
Average SAT1274 · —

Listed George Mason University first, then Liberty University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$76,343 · $44,813
Graduate in four years46% · 55%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$19,500 · $24,500

Again George Mason University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

George Mason University — every income band · Liberty University — every income band · All Virginia public colleges