George Mason University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$55,260
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$25,536/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
824%
Return on investment
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$13,815
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$60,536
Graduation Rate
70%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $55,260 | $94,945 | 2070% |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $55,260 | $61,734 | 868% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $55,260 | $61,608 | 863% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $55,260 | $53,166 | 557% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | $55,260 | $83,986 | 1673% |
| Special Education and Teaching. | $55,260 | $65,504 | 1004% |
| Psychology, General. | $55,260 | $48,517 | 389% |
| Biology, General. | $55,260 | $53,237 | 560% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $55,260 | $65,793 | 1014% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $55,260 | $80,027 | 1530% |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | $55,260 | $54,379 | 601% |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | $55,260 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
824%
20yr ROI
630%
20yr ROI
1193%
20yr ROI
1009%
20yr ROI
1004%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.