Security Science and Technology at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,100/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (385,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 of 41 Security Science and Technology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $489K $490K $456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 8.9x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 23%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 37

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 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,251
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,100 track close to the $40,284 national median for Security Science and Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 8.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,251 debt-to-$42,100 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #28 out of 41 programs, George Mason University's financial outcomes for Security Science and Technology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About George Mason University

George Mason University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, 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

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Information security analysts $124,910/yr
Computer occupations, all other $108,970/yr
View all 17 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Security Science and Technology 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

How does George Mason University's Security Science and Technology program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Security Science and Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Security Science and Technology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Security Science and Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →