Economics at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,024/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #70 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $767K $739K $634K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.4x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.7x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 69

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 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,731
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $53,024 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 in median debt against $53,024 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

George Mason University ranks #70 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $53,024-to-$81,731 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About George Mason University

George Mason University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, 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
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at George Mason University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at George Mason University?
At 73/100, 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 Economics at George Mason University?
The 56% 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.
Is George Mason University one of the best schools for Economics?
Among 351 Economics programs, George Mason University's #70 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →