Fairfax, VA · Private University
Is George Mason University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$76,343
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$13,815
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,397
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$157,588
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.94x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
69.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,287
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
George Mason University graduates earn $31,343 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at George Mason University ranked by graduate earnings
42 graduates
45 graduates
16 graduates
735 graduates
92 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at George Mason University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At George Mason University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Systems Engineering: $106,147) and the lowest (Health and Physical Education/Fitness: $34,900) is $71,247/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Systems EngineeringBest ROI | $106,147 | 2.7x |
| Computer Engineering | $99,351 | 2.5x |
| Computer Science | $97,310 | 2.5x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $94,945 | 2.4x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $91,169 | 2.3x |
| Homeland Security(1yr data) | $90,956 | 2.3x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $83,986 | 2.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $83,906 | 2.1x |
| Civil Engineering | $82,475 | 2.1x |
| Economics | $80,423 | 2.0x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $80,027 | 2.0x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $78,115 | 2.0x |
| Mechanical Engineering(1yr data) | $73,570 | 1.9x |
| Public Administration | $69,760 | 1.8x |
| Mathematics | $69,186 | 1.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $65,793 | 1.7x |
| Marketing | $65,117 | 1.6x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering(1yr data) | $63,981 | 1.6x |
| Sustainability Studies | $62,841 | 1.6x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $61,608 | 1.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $60,165 | 1.5x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $59,630 | 1.5x |
| Geography and Cartography | $55,864 | 1.4x |
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution | $55,535 | 1.4x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $55,266 | 1.4x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $54,487 | 1.4x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $54,379 | 1.4x |
| Graphic Communications | $53,634 | 1.4x |
| Biology, General | $53,237 | 1.4x |
| Mathematics and Computer Science(1yr data) | $53,179 | 1.4x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $53,166 | 1.4x |
| Public Health | $53,066 | 1.4x |
| History | $50,874 | 1.3x |
| Social Work | $50,549 | 1.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $49,777 | 1.3x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $49,065 | 1.3x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $48,616 | 1.2x |
| Psychology, General | $48,517 | 1.2x |
| Sociology | $47,477 | 1.2x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $47,283 | 1.2x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $47,021 | 1.2x |
| Music | $46,916 | 1.2x |
| Chemistry | $46,864 | 1.2x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services | $46,560 | 1.2x |
| Anthropology | $45,617 | 1.2x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services(1yr data) | $45,140 | 1.1x |
| Security Science and Technology(1yr data) | $42,100 | 1.1x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $38,051 | 1.0x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $36,403 | 0.9x |
| Health and Physical Education/FitnessLowest | $34,900 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University | 1.94x | $76,343 | Good ROI |
| James Madison University | 2.27x | $69,954 | Strong ROI |
| Towson University | 2.27x | $64,390 | Strong ROI |
| University of Kentucky | 1.77x | $59,025 | Good ROI |
| Rowan University | 2.35x | $59,988 | Strong ROI |
| University of Louisville | 1.85x | $53,899 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
George Mason University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $76,343 10 years after starting, $31,343 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.