Criminal Justiceat George Mason University
Graduates earn $43,612/yr in their first year — about 13.0% above the national Criminal Justice average. Base-case 10-year earnings $587K; scenarios range from $535K to $594K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Mason University
First-year earnings of $43,612 at George Mason University come in 13% above the national median of $38,544 for Criminal Justice programs.
With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $43,612 far exceeding the $17,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #40 of 629 programs, this Criminal Justice program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The $43,612-to-$70,311 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to George Mason University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Criminal Justice
How George Mason University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at George Mason University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at George Mason University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Criminal Justice offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Criminal Justice trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Criminal Justice at George Mason University
What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at George Mason University?
At 64/100, George Mason University's Criminal Justice program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.