Political Scienceat George Mason University
Graduates earn $45,846/yr in their first year — about 25.0% above the national Political Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $648K; scenarios range from $580K to $669K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Mason University
George Mason University's Political Science 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 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 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.
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 Political Science
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 Political Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Political Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Political Science at George Mason University
What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at George Mason University?
At 63/100, George Mason University's Political Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science 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?
Among 521 Political Science programs, George Mason University's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.