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Computer Engineering at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
84
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $87,466/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.5x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #47 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,026K $967K $739K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.6x 17.5x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.1x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 84 78

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 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$108,739
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $87,466/yr, edging above the $78,694 national average for Computer Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 17.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 28% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,500 in median debt against $87,466 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #47 ranking among 174 Computer Engineering programs places George Mason University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 24% earnings increase from $87,466 to $108,739 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About George Mason University

George Mason University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 27,083 in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 174 schools offering Computer Engineering →

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($141,588) University of Washington-Bothell Campus ($141,588) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($118,232) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($111,560) Duke University ($111,145) Santa Clara University ($103,804) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($103,123) Columbia University in the City of New York ($102,083)

Other Majors at George Mason University

Homeland Security ($90,956) Systems Engineering ($84,942) Computer Science ($84,632) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,175) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,800) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,365) Civil Engineering ($75,822) Mechanical Engineering ($73,570)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 84/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Engineering at George Mason University?
At 84/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Engineering at George Mason University?
The 71% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →