International Relationsat George Mason University
Graduates earn $44,644/yr in their first year — about 13.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $587K; scenarios range from $536K to $598K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Mason University
First-year earnings of $44,644 at George Mason University come in 13% above the national median of $39,530 for International Relations programs.
The 10.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $44,644 far exceeding the $20,117 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #16 out of 106 programs, George Mason University's International Relations program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,644 to $63,843 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
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 International Relations
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 International Relations offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about International Relations at George Mason University
How does George Mason University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 54/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Relations graduates.
How vulnerable is International Relations to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' International Relations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does George Mason University rank so high for International Relations?
The #16 ranking out of 106 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.