Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Liberty University vs George Mason University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lynchburg VA · vs · Public, Fairfax VA

The verdict

George Mason University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $71,660 in 2.6 years versus not at all at Liberty University, on median earnings of $76,343 vs $44,813 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureLiberty UniversityGeorge Mason University
Net price / yr$29,357$17,915
Total net cost$117,428$71,660
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,813$76,343
Median debt$24,500$19,500
Payback2.6 yrs
20-year net return$-188,368$488,000

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.