Sociology at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,916/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (114,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #71 of 414 Sociology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $563K $557K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.1x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 44

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
$16,676
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,321
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,916/yr, edging above the $34,392 national average for Sociology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Sociology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Sociology's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

At $16,676 in median debt against $38,916 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #71 of 414 nationally, this is a top-5% Sociology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $38,916 to $58,321 over five years — a 50% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About George Mason University

George Mason University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 27,083 students enrolled in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Sociology teachers, postsecondary $82,540/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sociology 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sociology at George Mason University?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Sociology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Sociology careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $512,753 in decade earnings vs $562,971 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes George Mason University's Sociology program stand out?
Ranked #71 of 414 programs nationally, George Mason University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →