Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg vs George Mason University

Middletown, PA — Fairfax, VA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Middletown, PA
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Location Middletown, PA Fairfax, VA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 4,031 27,752
Acceptance Rate 97.6% 87.5%
SAT Average 1,227 1,274
In-State Tuition $15,972 $14,220
Out-of-State Tuition $26,958 $38,688
Avg Net Price $23,330 $17,915
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 27.7% 68.6%
Retention Rate 82.1% 86.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $60,536
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $76,343
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 731900.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg
Middletown, PA
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George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg and George Mason University compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg (Middletown, PA) has an acceptance rate of 97.6%, in-state tuition of $15,972, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) has an acceptance rate of 87.5%, in-state tuition of $14,220, and median 10-year earnings of $76,343.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg or George Mason University?
George Mason University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $76,343 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg or George Mason University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), George Mason University is the more affordable option at $17,915 per year versus $23,330.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
George Mason University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 68.6% vs 27.7%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025