At $18,287/yr net price, George Mason University graduates earn $76,343/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42,343/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,287 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,343/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,343/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,197/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,383/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,296/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,394/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,247/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland Security. | Master | $127,993 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Statistics. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Systems Engineering. | Master | $109,763 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $105,585 | $38,186 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $101,072 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $100,690 | $57,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $99,709 | $26,262 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Master | $92,632 |
The Risk Factor
69.3% of students at George Mason University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
George Mason University delivers solid financial returns with a net price of $18,287 and median earnings of $76,343 ten years after graduation. Your debt burden stays manageable at $19,500, creating a favorable cost-to-income ratio for a public university in the expensive Washington D.C. metro area.
The school's proximity to government agencies and tech contractors creates strong opportunities in specific fields. Homeland Security graduates earn $127,993 annually, reflecting the program's direct pipeline to federal positions. Computer and information technology fields also perform strongly, with administration roles averaging $122,038 and information science positions reaching $106,421. These programs capitalize on the region's concentration of cybersecurity firms and defense contractors.
However, the 69% graduation rate signals potential completion risks. If you struggle with large university environments or lack clear career direction, you might join the 30% who don't finish. The low financial aid percentage of 29.5% means most students pay close to full price, making this less attractive if you qualify for need-based aid elsewhere.
George Mason works best if you're targeting government, defense, or tech careers and can handle the D.C. area's high living costs during internships and job searches. The school's career services have strong federal connections, but you'll need to actively network to maximize these relationships. Avoid this choice if you're unsure about your major or prefer smaller learning environments where you're less likely to get lost in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is George Mason University worth the cost compared to other Virginia schools?
George Mason offers solid value with graduates earning $76,343 after 10 years while carrying relatively low debt of $19,500. The net price of $18,287 per year is reasonable for a Virginia public university, though the 69% graduation rate means about 3 in 10 students don't finish.
What are the highest paying majors at George Mason University?
Homeland Security leads at $128,000, followed by IT management at $122,000 and statistics at $110,000. These technical programs significantly outperform the university average and justify the investment.
Is George Mason University hard to get into and does selectivity affect job prospects?
With a 90% acceptance rate, George Mason accepts nearly all applicants. While this makes admission easy, employers focus more on your specific program and skills than the school's selectivity.
How much student debt do George Mason University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable given graduate earnings of $76,343. Most students can expect monthly payments under $200, making this debt load reasonable for the income potential.