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Political Science and Government at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,846/yr (25% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #13 of 521 Political Science and Government programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science and Government graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$669K	$648K	$580K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.1x	11.7x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.1x	3.7x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	64	63	58

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 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,148

-32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,449

5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$74,736

63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

George Mason University's Political Science and Government graduates start at $45,846/yr — above the $36,684 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Political Science and Government career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,449 in median debt clears quickly against $45,846 in annual earnings.

George Mason University ranks #13 among 521 Political Science and Government programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $45,846-to-$74,736 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About George Mason University

A 89% acceptance rate means George Mason University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 27,083 students in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Political Science and Government at Other Schools

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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 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science and Government at George Mason University?

At 63/100, George Mason University's Political Science and Government program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science and Government at George Mason University?

The 50% 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 Political Science and Government?

Among 521 Political Science and Government programs, George Mason University's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →