English at George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,173/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
9.5x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $528K | $523K | $482K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.6x | 9.5x | 8.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.3x | 3.3x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 35 | 35 | 28 |
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 (3.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,160
54% growth from Year 1
About George Mason University
George Mason University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 27,083 in Fairfax, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →Top Career Paths
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210/yr
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at George Mason University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at George Mason University?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at George Mason University?
The 61% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →