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Systems Engineering at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $84,942/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (57,100 openings/yr)

ROI 18.6x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #2 of 11 Systems Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,086K	$1,030K	$831K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.7x	18.6x	15.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.9x	6.5x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	77	76	72

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 (6.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,148

-32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$120,847

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

George Mason University's Systems Engineering graduates start at $84,942/yr — above the $75,193 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 18.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 23% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Systems Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,500 in median debt clears quickly against $84,942 in annual earnings.

George Mason University ranks #2 among 11 Systems Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 42% earnings increase from $84,942 to $120,847 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About George Mason University

A 89% acceptance rate means George Mason University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 27,083 in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Systems Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Systems Engineering at George Mason University?

At 76/100, 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 Systems Engineering 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 Systems Engineering?

Among 11 Systems Engineering programs, George Mason University's #2 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 →