George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia · Public · 87.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
George Mason University scores 86 (Strong Value). The repayment rate of 80.0% at three years is solid; the completion rate of 67.8% is the one soft spot. In-state tuition is $14,220. The program-level data is exceptional in technology and security: Homeland Security (139 graduates, A-grade, $90,956 year-one), Computer Engineering (B+, $87,466 year-one), Computer and Information Sciences (761 graduates - largest program - B+, $78,800 year-one), and Nursing (206 graduates, B+, $78,365 year-one) lead the profile. The DC labor market creates the earnings premium: federal government, defense contractors, intelligence community, and technology firms operating in Northern Virginia produce salaries substantially above national averages for graduates who stay in the region. GMU's 30.1% Pell grant rate reflects meaningful lower-income access for its size.
George Mason University scores in the top 8% of the schools we score, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
George Mason University
Quick 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 |
| Average 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).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $14,220/year ($38,688/year out-of-state), which covers tuition and fees only. The net price counts books, supplies, and average living costs on top of tuition and fees, then subtracts grants and scholarships. For the average student here it comes to $17,915/year, or roughly $71,660 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $11,942/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,894/year.
Among graduates who borrowed, the median federal loan debt from this school is $19,500, which works out to about $207 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Our debt-to-earnings ratio divides that debt by average earnings six years after entry ($47,000) and comes to 0.41, which in our view is comfortably manageable.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $11,942 per year at GMU; the $30,001-48,000 bracket pays $12,093. Over four years, roughly $47,000-$48,000. Against $47,000 average earnings and a 5.1-year payback, the financial case is strong for lower-income students who complete. GMU's completion rate of 67.8% is the main risk. Low-income students in CS, nursing, and homeland security face outstanding returns at these net prices.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $15,224; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $19,430. These prices are competitive for a research university with strong DC labor market access. Middle-income families targeting GMU for technical, nursing, or security programs are making a financially sound decision.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $25,894 per year. For out-of-state students, tuition reaches $38,688 - substantially higher. In-state at $25,894, GMU is strong value for any high-returning program.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Homeland Security
Homeland Security (139 graduates) earns $90,956 year-one and $143,972 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.239 (ROI grade A). Median debt of $21,741 is low against these earnings. GMU's location adjacent to Northern Virginia's federal contractor and intelligence agency ecosystem makes this program uniquely well-positioned nationally. Homeland Security and intelligence analysts, program managers, and IT security professionals command premium salaries in this corridor. The A grade is well-earned.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences is GMU's largest program at 761 graduates: $78,800 year-one and $110,754 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.295 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $23,250. B+ is the appropriate grade - strong outcomes at a public school price with very strong four-year trajectory.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (206 graduates) earns $78,365 year-one and $89,878 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.290 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $22,750 is low for a nursing program. B+ reflects solid earnings and low debt in a high-cost-of-living metro area.
Psychology
Psychology (383 graduates - one of the largest programs) earns $36,326 year-one and $62,563 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.578 (ROI grade C). Median debt of $21,000. The C grade reflects moderate year-one earnings that improve substantially by year four. GMU psychology graduates who enter government health programs, employee assistance roles, or DC metro human services see solid trajectories, though graduate credentials remain essential for clinical paths.
International Relations
International Relations (180 graduates) earns $45,846 year-one and $74,125 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.480 (ROI grade C+). Median debt of $22,000. GMU's proximity to the State Department, think tanks, and international organizations gives international relations graduates career access that other regional institutions lack. C+ reflects starting salaries that are moderate but with strong trajectory to $74k by year four - consistent with entry to mid-level government and policy careers.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Median of schools we score |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 75.9% | 68.8% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.0% | 73.6% |
| 5-year repayment | 78.3% | 67.7% |
| 7-year repayment | 82.7% | 72.8% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How George Mason University’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
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 |
GMU admits 87.5% of applicants - broadly accessible. SAT 580-680 Math, 580-680 Reading, ACT 25-30. Virginia residents benefit from in-state tuition of $14,220 and typically favorable net prices given the Pell and merit aid landscape.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
GMU's ROI score is 86 and its payback period is 5.1 years.
| 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 |
Head-to-Head ROI Comparisons
See George Mason University side by side with similar schools on ROI, cost, earnings, and debt.
Who Thrives Here
GMU admits 87.5% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 580-680 Math and 580-680 Reading, ACT 25-30. At 27,752 students, it is a large, diverse commuter-friendly campus with a substantial NoVA and international student population. The DC location drives outcomes: students who enter federal employment, defense contractors, technology companies, or policy organizations outperform the Scorecard median significantly. The 30.1% Pell rate means GMU serves meaningful lower-income enrollment at a school with strong outcomes for completers in technical and government-adjacent fields.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
For most students, George Mason University pays off. You'd pay about $17,915 a year after aid ($71,660 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $76,343 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback - the time it takes for the earnings bump to cover what you spent - at roughly 5.1 years, a solid return.
What it has going for it: a strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $19,500 among graduates who borrowed, against average earnings of $47,000 six years after entry, gives a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41, under the 1.0 point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings. Your major matters a lot here: graduates in higher-earning fields will see the better end of this.
George Mason University: Common Questions
Is George Mason University worth it?
In our view, yes - for most students George Mason University pays off. It scores 86/100 on our ROI scale. You'd pay about $17,915 a year after aid ($71,660 over four years), and the typical graduate earns $76,343 ten years after enrollment, so the cost takes roughly 5.1 years to earn back.
How much does George Mason University cost after financial aid?
The average net price - the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies and average living costs) minus grants and scholarships, for full-time, first-time students receiving federal aid - is about $17,915 a year, or roughly $71,660 over four years. Because it counts living costs, it can run above tuition alone. That is the number to plan around. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do George Mason University graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $76,343 ten years after enrolling, roughly $34,543 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off George Mason University?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 5.1 years for George Mason University. The median across the schools we track is about 12 years.
How much debt do George Mason University graduates take on?
Among graduates who borrowed, median federal loan debt from this school is about $19,500, against average earnings of $47,000 six years after entry - a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. In our view that is reasonable, though your major matters: higher-earning fields will see the better end of it.
What is the graduation rate at George Mason University?
The six-year graduation rate is 67.8%, at or above the 64% national average for four-year schools (NCES, 2022). Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
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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.