Anthropology at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,081/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (121,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 178 Anthropology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Anthropology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $484K $485K $455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.8x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 44% 41% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$55,260
Out-of-state: $157,588 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,875
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,617
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

George Mason University Anthropology graduates command $37,081/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,155 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 8.8x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,875 debt-to-$37,081 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #41 out of 178 programs, George Mason University's Anthropology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $37,081 to $45,617 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About George Mason University

A 89% acceptance rate means George Mason University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 27,083 students in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary $95,770/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Anthropology at Other Schools

Other Majors at George Mason University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does George Mason University's Anthropology program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Anthropology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Anthropology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Anthropology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does George Mason University rank so high for Anthropology?
The #41 ranking out of 178 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →