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 54 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface George Mason programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across national rankings, earnings outcomes, and enrollment scale.
$61K 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | #14 | $117,942 |
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
| — |
| 32 |
| Systems Engineering. | #3 | $114,815 | — | 25 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | #6 | $110,754 | $21,856 | 757 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. | #19 | $103,074 | — | 62 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #23 | $96,467 | — | 75 |
| Civil Engineering. | #14 | $93,856 | — | 93 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | #18 | $93,533 | — | 42 |
| Computer Science. | #26 | $78,343 | — | 22 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | #3 | $97,049★ | $17,000 | 371 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | #7 | $91,132 | $18,500 | 182 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | #16 | $88,080 | — | 120 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | #17 | $85,224 | $39,182 | 166 |
| Marketing. | #19 | $69,210 | — | 119 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | #4 | $62,727 | — | 46 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | #18 | $89,878★ | — | 222 |
| Public Health. | #7 | $65,358 | $30,924 | 174 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | — | $64,046 | — | 96 |
Sciences & Mathematics graduates earn 73K on average, with 3 programs ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics. | #6 | $96,138★ | — | 22 |
| Chemistry. | #3 | $77,681 | — | 40 |
| Mathematics. | #17 | $77,519 | — | 57 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | #4 | $68,546 | $53,869 | 70 |
| Biology, General. | #14 | $64,301 | $25,244 | 293 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | #21 | $53,441 | — | 11 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | #16 | $87,548★ | — | 79 |
| Geography and Cartography. | #3 | $74,692 | — | 21 |
| Political Science and Government. | #17 | $74,125 | $55,871 | 205 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | #3 | $69,399 | $39,466 | 166 |
| Public Administration. | #5 | $67,973 | — | 34 |
| Sociology. | #6 | $64,603 | — | 21 |
| Psychology, General. | #5 | $62,563 | $33,915 | 405 |
| Social Work. | #11 | $55,715 | — | 65 |
| Anthropology. | #20 | $45,617 | — | 23 |
Communications graduates earn 47K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Communications. | #3 | $47,440 | $48,180 | 53 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | #4 | $62,383★ | $31,744 | 21 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | #13 | $61,100 | $33,869 | 321 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. | #11 | $58,931 | — | 23 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #20 | $56,071 | $33,256 | 106 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | #3 | $54,703 | — | 113 |
| History. | #33 | $51,168 | — | 74 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | #8 | $50,086 | — | 42 |
| Music. | #19 | $46,765 | — | 42 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | #12 | $45,656 | — | 33 |
| Dance. | #10 | $36,901 | — | 20 |
| Fine and Studio Arts.Small sample | — | $24,615 | — | 5 |
Education graduates earn 60K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | #7 | $59,979 | $61,556 | 41 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 61K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | #16 | $60,874 | — | 45 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeland Security. | — | $143,972★ | — | 122 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | #2 | $69,511 | $45,292 | 329 |
| Security Science and Technology. | #2 | $63,182 | $57,956 | 29 |
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. | — | $72,271★ | — | 44 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | #17 | $63,672 | — | 95 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | #3 | $61,565 | — | 33 |
| Sustainability Studies. | #2 | $61,216 | — | 47 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | #4 | $53,179 | — | 44 |
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.
