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Public Administration at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $56,674/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (528,800 openings/yr)

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #7 of 45 Public Administration programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$640K	$626K	$563K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.6x	11.3x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.0x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	49%	37%
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 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,148

-32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,750

4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$72,841

29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $56,674 per year, Public Administration graduates from George Mason University earn slightly above the $49,353 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

George Mason University ranks #7 among 45 Public Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 29% earnings increase from $56,674 to $72,841 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About George Mason University

With 89% of applicants admitted, George Mason University prioritizes broad access, 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

Chief executives $206,420/yr

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Construction managers $106,980/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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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

What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration 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 Public Administration at George Mason University?

The 47% 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 Public Administration?

Among 45 Public Administration programs, George Mason University's #7 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 →