Human Development & Family Studies at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,140/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (33% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (297,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Human Development & Family Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $506K $505K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.1x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 50% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 53

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 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $45,140 per year, Human Development & Family Studies graduates from George Mason University significantly outpace the $33,473 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 33% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$45,140 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #16 ranking out of 156 Human Development & Family Studies programs nationally puts George Mason University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

About George Mason University

With 89% of applicants admitted, George Mason University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 27,083 in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Human Development & Family Studies at Other Schools

Compare Human Development & Family Studies

Other Majors at George Mason University

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does George Mason University's Human Development & Family Studies program score?
This program scores 53/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Human Development & Family Studies graduates.
How vulnerable is Human Development & Family Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Human Development & Family Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 33% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →