Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks George Mason University #31 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $78,425, placing George Mason University in the 86.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. George Mason University sits in the 91.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions, with graduates outperforming similar students at comparable institutions. --- Students at George Mason University achieve median earnings that rank well above most institutions in the Azimuth coverage set, reflecting a program mix anchored in business and applied fields that translate reliably into early-career pay. The university's composite standing captures strong return on investment alongside meaningful earnings beyond expectations, making it a standout among nonprofit four-year institutions in the mid-Atlantic region.
Azimuth ranks George Mason University #31 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A public university in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University enrolls roughly 27,752 undergraduates. Retention stands at 86.0% and the six-year graduation rate is 67.8%, figures that reflect steady degree completion across a large, mixed enrollment. The composite is shaped by strong return on investment. Azimuth ranks George Mason University #131 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn median earnings four years after enrollment of $78,425, and they earn about $14,112 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing George Mason University in the 91.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Business is the dominant program family, anchoring a degree portfolio that channels graduates into Northern Virginia's deep employer base in government contracting, technology, and professional services. Mobility and affordability contribute meaningfully to the composite — George Mason University sits in the 98.0 percentile for mobility and the 68.3 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Access sits lower, in the 82.3 percentile for access among nonprofit four-year institutions; George Mason University admits about 87.5% of applicants, and 30.1% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants while 30.0% are first-generation college students — shares that, while meaningful in absolute numbers given the university's scale, sit below the medians for large public research universities.
George Mason University's published cost of attendance is $28,604, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $11,942 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $15,224, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,894. Azimuth ranks George Mason University #452 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. George Mason University participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, with work-study available as part of the aid package, per the financial aid page. The university also offers named merit and need-based scholarship programs — including the Mason Merit Scholarship Policy and additional awards listed through its Explore Scholarships portal — which can further reduce net cost for qualifying students. Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and the net price illusion is worth understanding here: the sticker price and the net price can differ substantially depending on household income and aid eligibility. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $25,142; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $78,425, median federal debt of $19,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
George Mason University is a strong fit for students drawn to business, policy, technology, and applied professional fields who want a public research university anchored in the Northern Virginia corridor — one of the most dynamic labor markets on the East Coast. Graduates earn in the 86.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, and George Mason University sits in the 91.6 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions — graduates earn about $14,112 more than similar students at comparable institutions, a signal that the university's program mix and regional employer access translate into real post-graduation financial advantage. The access profile is broad. 30.1% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 30.0% are first-generation college students, and George Mason University sits in the 92.2 percentile for low-income graduate earnings among nonprofit four-year institutions on a historical 10-year Scorecard measure — meaning the institution delivers meaningful upward mobility for students who need it most. Fit depends on two realistic filters: the program portfolio is concentrated in Business and related applied fields, so students whose interests align there will find the strongest outcomes; and students who plan to stay in the Mid-Atlantic region after graduation will benefit most from George Mason's deep employer relationships with federal agencies, defense contractors, and technology firms in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the George Mason University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
George Mason University's published cost of attendance is $28,604, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $11,942 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $15,224, and higher-income families pay approximately $25,894.
Azimuth ranks George Mason University #452 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
George Mason University participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, with work-study available as part of the aid package, per the financial aid page. The university also offers named merit and need-based scholarship programs — including the Mason Merit Scholarship Policy and additional awards listed through its Explore Scholarships portal — which can further reduce net cost for qualifying students.
Families apply for need-based aid using the FAFSA, and the [net price illusion](/analysis/is-college-worth-it-part-1-the-net-price-illusion/) is worth understanding here: the sticker price and the net price can differ substantially depending on household income and aid eligibility. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $25,142; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $78,425, median federal debt of $19,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of George Mason University earn median earnings of $78,425 four years after enrollment, placing George Mason University in the 86.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs above the $65,228 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band).
Graduates earn about $14,112 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing George Mason University in the 91.6 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks George Mason University #131 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The earnings pattern corresponds to George Mason University's concentration in applied and professional fields. Business is the dominant program family, representing 20% of degree output, with Social Sciences at 8% and Engineering at 5%.
Artificial Intelligence combines high enrollment with strong pay, making it a key contributor to the university's overall earnings profile. Azimuth ranks Artificial Intelligence #21 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions [per the program-ranking methodology](/analysis/college-program-rankings-how-to-actually-evaluate-programs/), with 757 graduates earning median earnings of $110,754 — 1.2x the national benchmark for the field.
The Psychology, General program graduates 405 students with median earnings of $62,563, and Azimuth ranks Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods #9 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with 371 graduates earning median earnings of $97,049. Criminal Justice and General Studies round out the top programs, with graduates earning median earnings of $69,511 and $61,100 respectively — both drawing on Northern Virginia's deep employer base in technology, government contracting, and professional services.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of California-Riverside Similar quality tier (#31 ranked) | CA | 76% | $67,699 | #31 | Compare |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion Similar quality tier (#32 ranked) | AZ | 90% | $62,668 | #32 | Compare |
Florida International University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#28 ranked) | FL | 55% | $60,249 | #28 | Compare |
California State University-Fresno Similar quality tier (#27 ranked) | CA | 95% | $61,244 | #27 | Compare |
The University Of Texas At San Antonio Similar quality tier (#34 ranked) | TX | 87% | $57,131 | #34 | Compare |
Homeland Security
122 graduates
Computer Engineering
32 graduates
Systems Engineering
25 graduates
Computer and Information Sciences, General
757 graduates
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
62 graduates
George Mason University's program mix is anchored in Business, with substantial depth in computing, health, and social science fields. Business accounts for 20% of degree output, followed by Social Sciences at 8% and Engineering at 5%.
Across 63 programs serving roughly 6,273 students annually, 50 meet Azimuth's ranking threshold — a broad portfolio that reflects the university's role as a large public research institution in Northern Virginia. The highest aggregate return program is Artificial Intelligence, which combines strong enrollment with solid median earnings four years after enrollment.
The strongest national ranks cluster in applied and quantitative fields. Azimuth ranks Artificial Intelligence #21 nationally for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with 757 graduates earning $110,754.
Azimuth ranks Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods #9 nationally for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with 371 graduates earning $97,049. Among the largest programs by enrollment, Artificial Intelligence program graduates 757 students with median earnings of $110,754, while The Psychology, General program graduates 405 students with median earnings of $62,563.
Several of George Mason University's high-earning programs — particularly Accounting and Nursing — are high-mobility pathways where graduates enter the workforce directly. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, with 371 graduates, and Criminal Justice, with 329 graduates, represent broader applied-professional tracks.
