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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,604 |
| Tuition and Fees | $38,688 |
| Room and Board | $15,725 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,288 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,689 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,915 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,942 |
| $30–48k | $12,093 |
| $48–75k | $15,224 |
| $75–110k | $19,430 |
| $110k+ | $25,894 |
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 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 .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
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 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 , 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.
