Economicsat George Mason University
Graduates earn $53,024/yr in their first year — about 2.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $739K; scenarios range from $634K to $767K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Mason University
First-year earnings of $53,024 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 13.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $19,000 in median debt against $53,024 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
George Mason University ranks #70 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $53,024-to-$81,731 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% 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 Economics
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 Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at George Mason University
What does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics 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 Economics 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 Economics?
Among 351 Economics programs, George Mason University's #70 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.