Visual and Performing Arts, General at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,941/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $536K $532K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.6x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 29

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 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,669
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,941 per year, Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates from George Mason University significantly outpace the $25,525 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 9.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,125 debt-to-$31,941 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #5 ranking out of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs nationally puts George Mason University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $31,941 to $52,669 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About George Mason University

With 89% of applicants admitted, George Mason University prioritizes broad access, with 27,083 students enrolled in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual and Performing Arts, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at George Mason University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does George Mason University's Visual and Performing Arts, General program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Visual and Performing Arts, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Visual and Performing Arts, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual and Performing Arts, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% 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 →