Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at George Mason University vary significantly by field of study, with median earnings ranging from $48,517 in Psychology to $94,945 in Artificial Intelligence. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal College Scorecard data.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and identify programs that align with your career and financial goals.
Analyzing 56 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface George Mason programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across national rankings, earnings outcomes, and enrollment scale.
#2 nationally
$91K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at George Mason University.
Engineering and Technology programs at George Mason stand out for exceptional earnings and national recognition. Artificial Intelligence leads with $94,945 median earnings and ranks #19 nationally, representing the university's largest program with 638 graduates.
These programs consistently deliver excellent return on investment, with value scores above 90, making them ideal for students prioritizing strong post-graduation earning potential and career growth in high-demand technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering. | #2 | $106,147 |
Program rankings reflect labor market outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data tracking graduate earnings, debt levels, and employment outcomes. Rankings emphasize post-graduation economic results rather than institutional prestige or academic reputation, providing students with data-driven insights into program value. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing greater statistical confidence. Data represents outcomes for students who completed programs within recent years and reflects actual career results rather than projected or theoretical earnings. George Mason's program diversity means outcomes vary significantly by field, with technical programs typically showing higher earnings than liberal arts disciplines, though individual career paths and geographic factors influence actual results. Students should consider program rankings alongside personal interests, career goals, and preferred learning environments when making academic decisions.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 35 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #52 | $99,351 | — | 34 |
| Computer Science.Small sample | #138 | $97,310 | — | 19 |
| Artificial Intelligence. | #18 | $94,945 | $21,856 | 638 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #57 | $91,169 | — | 76 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #36 | $82,475 | — | 81 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #204 | $73,570 | — | 76 |
| Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | #79 | $69,338 | — | 38 |
Business and Economics programs demonstrate strong earnings variation, from Applied Economics at $80,423 to Business Administration at $65,793. Actuarial Science achieves exceptional outcomes with $83,986 median earnings ranking #7 nationally, while Accounting Technology delivers outstanding value with a 94.9 score.
These programs serve students seeking solid return on investment in finance, management, and analytical business roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science. | #8 | $83,986★ | $17,000 | 344 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #41 | $83,906 | — | 192 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #16 | $80,027 | $18,500 | 238 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #122 | $65,793 | $39,182 | 243 |
| Digital Marketing. | #53 | $65,117 | — | 109 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management. | #42 | $49,065 | — | 34 |
Health programs at George Mason provide strong earning potential with Adult Health Nursing producing graduates earning $78,115. Behavioral Aspects of Health demonstrates solid outcomes at $53,066 with strong national ranking at #22.
These programs appeal to students seeking healthcare careers with stable earnings and opportunities for professional advancement in diverse medical and public health settings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #102 | $78,115★ | — | 167 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #9 | $59,630 | — | 127 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | #70 | $53,588 | — | 15 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #22 | $53,066 | $30,924 | 184 |
Algebra and Number Theory. leads sciences & mathematics with 69K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #77 | $69,186★ | — | 57 |
| Neuroanatomy. | #28 | $54,487 | $53,869 | 66 |
| Biology, General. | #91 | $53,237 | $25,244 | 266 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #113 | $46,864 | — | 35 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #84 | $39,009 | — | 15 |
| Acoustics.Small sample | #84 | $38,289 | — | 13 |
Social Sciences and Policy programs show varied outcomes, with Applied Economics reaching $80,423 while Psychology graduates earn $48,517. American Government and Politics produces graduates earning $60,165, reflecting career paths in public service and policy analysis.
These programs suit students interested in social impact careers, policy analysis, or graduate school preparation in related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #58 | $80,423★ | — | 132 |
| Public Administration, Other. | #3 | $69,760 | — | 23 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #102 | $60,165 | $55,871 | 177 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography. | #17 | $55,864 | — | 21 |
| International Relations and Affairs. | #31 | $55,266 | $39,466 | 173 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #23 | $50,549 | — | 58 |
| Psychology, General. | #81 | $48,517 | $33,915 | 340 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #146 | $47,477 | — | 31 |
| Anthropology, General. | #41 | $45,617 | — | 21 |
Communications graduates earn 54K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | #5 | $53,634 | $48,180 | 58 |
Humanities programs achieve remarkably strong outcomes, with Creative Writing ranking #4 nationally and producing graduates earning $54,379 with an exceptional value score of 92.9. General Studies delivers solid earning potential at $53,166 while ranking #1 in Virginia.
These programs demonstrate George Mason's strength in liberal arts education and appeal to students seeking versatile skills applicable across diverse career paths.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing. | #5 | $54,379★ | $31,744 | 210 |
| General Studies. | #23 | $53,166 | $33,869 | 377 |
| American History (United States). | #62 | $50,874 | — | 84 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #73 | $48,616 | $33,256 | 91 |
| Digital Arts. | #5 | $47,021 | — | 85 |
| Brass Instruments. | #17 | $46,916 | — | 55 |
| Applied Linguistics. | #37 | $46,560 | — | 32 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #37 | $38,051 | — | 45 |
| Acting. | #21 | $36,403 | — | 28 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | — | $24,615 | — | 9 |
| Ballet.Small sample | #48 | $12,409 | — | 14 |
Agricultural Teacher Education. leads education with 50K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #100 | $49,777 | $61,556 | 61 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 47K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #94 | $47,283 | — | 29 |
Criminal Justice programs excel in both value and ranking, with Corrections Administration achieving #8 national ranking and exceptional value score of 96.3. Graduates earn $61,608, reflecting strong career prospects in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety administration.
This program attracts students seeking stable careers in criminal justice with clear advancement pathways and strong job security.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | #1 🏆 | $90,956★ | — | 76 |
| Corrections Administration. | #8 | $61,608 | $45,292 | 384 |
| Criminalistics and Criminal Science. | #15 | $42,100 | $57,956 | 28 |
Interdisciplinary programs like General Studies demonstrate George Mason's ability to deliver strong outcomes across diverse academic approaches. With earnings of $53,166 and #1 ranking in Virginia, these programs provide flexibility for students with varied interests while maintaining solid post-graduation prospects.
Best suited for students seeking broad-based education with strong liberal arts foundation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. | #3 | $55,535★ | — | 46 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | #8 | $53,179 | — | 30 |
| Adult Development and Aging.Small sample | #46 | $45,140 | — | 13 |
| Sustainability Studies. | #10 | $35,060 | — | 35 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #202 | $34,900 | — | 67 |
| African Studies.Small sample | — | $31,133 | — | 8 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
