Linguistics at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,105/yr (44% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

This program's strong performance is deeply tied to its unique location. Fairfax places you squarely in the Washington D.C. metro area, a global hub for intelligence, diplomacy, and international affairs. Your linguistic and cultural expertise is highly valued by government agencies like the NSA, CIA, and State Department, as well as numerous defense contractors, international NGOs, and think tanks. Many graduates move into roles involving intelligence analysis, foreign affairs, localization, or data linguistics, where understanding complex communication and cultural nuances is critical. The robust regional demand for these specialized skills explains the strong earnings potential. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out internships with D.C.-area employers during your studies. This practical experience is invaluable for connecting academic knowledge with real-world application, directly leveraging the unique opportunities your location provides.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Linguistics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $514K $512K $474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.3x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 33

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 (3.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,693
29% growth from Year 1

About George Mason University

George Mason University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 27,083 in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Linguistics at George Mason University?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Linguistics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Linguistics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $473,947 in decade earnings vs $514,183 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →