Liberty University vs George Mason University: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Liberty University | George 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 |
| Payback | — | 2.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$188,368 | $488,000 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Liberty University or George Mason University?
George Mason University, at $17,915 a year after aid versus $29,357 — a gap of $11,442 a year, or $45,768 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Liberty University or George Mason University graduates earn more?
George Mason University graduates report a median $76,343 ten years after entry, $31,530 more than the $44,813 at Liberty University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Liberty University or George Mason University?
George Mason University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $24,500 at Liberty University, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at George Mason University, against 65% at Liberty University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.