Visual & Performing Arts at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,941/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

George Mason's Visual and Performing Arts program equips you with skills particularly well-suited for the dynamic Northern Virginia and D.C. metro area. This region's unique economy, driven by federal agencies, defense contractors, numerous non-profits, and a thriving tech sector, creates diverse demands for creative talent that often translate into strong career starts. Your general VPA background from GMU becomes a versatile asset, enabling you to pivot between roles in digital media, museum exhibition design, corporate communications, or even government-adjacent visualization projects. While the creative landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, your program's broad foundation, coupled with exposure to the region's varied employers, prepares you for adaptability. To truly leverage this, focus intensely on building a professional-quality, online portfolio throughout your studies. This tangible showcase of your work, rather than just your degree, will be your most critical tool for navigating the competitive job market and securing those promising roles.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $536K $532K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.6x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 29

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 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,669
65% growth from Year 1

About George Mason University

With 89% of applicants admitted, George Mason University prioritizes broad access, with 27,083 students enrolled in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason University →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does George Mason University's Visual & Performing Arts program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Visual & Performing Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Visual & Performing Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual & Performing Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% 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 →