George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia · Public · 87.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
George Mason University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,220/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $38,688/yr |
| Average net price | $17,915/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $71,660 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,343 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $47,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $207 |
| Estimated payback period | 5.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 67.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 27,752 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,942 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,093 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,224 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,430 |
| $110,001+ | $25,894 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at George Mason University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $110,754 | B+ |
| Psychology | $62,563 | C |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $69,511 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $61,100 | C |
| Biology | $64,301 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $89,878 | B+ |
| International Relations | $74,125 | C+ |
| Public Health | $65,358 | C |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $54,703 | D |
| Homeland Security | $143,972 | A |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at George Mason University is $14,220/year ($38,688/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,915/year, or roughly $71,660 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,942/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,894/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $207 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $76,343 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.41 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 75.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 82.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 580-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 25-30 |
| Enrollment | 27,752 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,486 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University (this school) | 86 | $17,915 | $76,343 |
| San Jose State University | 91 | $13,760 | $78,988 |
| William & Mary | 91 | $19,096 | $73,490 |
| University of Utah | 84 | $16,200 | $67,170 |
| Washington State University | 84 | $14,971 | $68,905 |
| Christopher Newport University | 64 | $23,015 | $60,509 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
George Mason University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $17,915 per year ($71,660 over four years), graduates earn a median of $76,343 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 5.1 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $19,500 is very manageable against $76,343 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.