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Liberal Arts and Sciences at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,398/yr (11% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #64 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$559K	$559K	$534K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.1x	10.1x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.4x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	42	45

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 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,148

-32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,124

43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,398/yr, edging above the $37,172 national average for Liberal Arts and Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 4%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

At $19,500 in median debt against $41,398 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #64 out of 424 programs, George Mason University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $41,398 to $59,124 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

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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

How does George Mason University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?

This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why does George Mason University rank so high for Liberal Arts and Sciences?

The #64 ranking out of 424 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 →