Caldwell University vs. Mason

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ with George Mason University in Fairfax, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Mason University is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (39,766 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); George Mason University is in Fairfax, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Mason University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; George Mason University 16:1.

Caldwell University vs. Mason Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell University or Mason? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at George Mason University than Caldwell University ($18,823 vs. $21,875).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 9.8% lower than at George Mason University ($14,188 vs. $15,725).
• Caldwell University is 187.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mason (about $26,628 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $14,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Caldwell University than at George Mason University (about $2,160 more per year; $40,848.00 vs. $38,688.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at George Mason University (100% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 151.6% larger than aid received by George Mason University students ($32,340 vs. $12,852).

Caldwell University vs. Mason Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caldwell University or Mason? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Mason and Caldwell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Mason University (1260) is 10 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; George Mason University 1160/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsGeorge Mason University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; Mason - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mason Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mason students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Mason has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Caldwell University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 20.2% at Mason.

Caldwell University vs. Mason Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell University and Mason? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• George Mason University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from George Mason University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Mason University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($19,750 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Mason graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($204 vs. $266).
• More Mason graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.