George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia · Public · 87.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 86/100 · Strong Value
George Mason University scores 86 (Strong Value) -- one of the highest CampusROI scores among large public universities in the Mid-Atlantic. Median 6-year earnings of $47,000, a 5.1-year payback, and debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.415 reflect a 27,752-student university in Fairfax, VA, 15 miles from Washington, D.C. Median debt of $19,500 is low for a four-year university. The repayment rate of 80.0% at three years is solid; the completion rate of 67.8% is the one soft spot -- below average for a regional flagship. 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 25% of all schools we track, 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 |
| 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).
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.
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 median 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. The five-year payback is among the shortest for a large public university in this dataset.
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. High-income Virginia families choosing GMU over UVA or William & Mary for CS, nursing, or engineering are trading prestige for very strong outcomes at lower cost.
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. GMU's CS program places graduates into Amazon Web Services, Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, MITRE, and dozens of Northern Virginia technology employers. 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. The Northern Virginia healthcare market -- Inova, Johns Hopkins Medicine at Sibley, and major hospital systems -- provides strong RN demand. 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 better trajectories than many regional peers, 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 | 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 |
GMU admits 87.5% of applicants -- broadly accessible. SAT 580-680 Math, 580-680 Reading, ACT 25-30. The completion rate of 67.8% is below average for a regional flagship; students who enroll without a clear degree plan face non-completion risk. 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 peer set includes William & Mary, Christopher Newport, University of Utah, San Jose State, and Washington State. Among Virginia publics, GMU's 86 score and 5.1-year payback compare favorably with its stated peers. William & Mary has higher earnings and completion but higher cost; Christopher Newport serves a different regional market at lower price. San Jose State is the most compelling national comparison -- both are large commuter-friendly urban public universities where industry adjacency (tech in San Jose, federal government in Fairfax) drives the earnings premium. GMU's 86 score reflects this structural advantage accurately.
| 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 |
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
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.
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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.