Accounting at George Mason University

George Mason's accounting program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $67,291—that's $14,000 more than the typical Virginia accounting graduate and nearly $14,000 above the national median. Among Virginia's 32 accounting programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only elite private schools like Washington and Lee and University of Richmond, plus JMU and Virginia Tech. What makes this particularly impressive: Mason's 89% admission rate means this outcome is accessible to most students, not just those admitted to highly selective schools.

The financial picture is equally strong. At $21,500, graduates carry roughly $4,000 less debt than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.32—meaning students owe about four months' salary. Earnings growth to $80,000 by year four suggests stable career progression, and the robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes.

For families seeking accounting programs in Virginia, Mason represents exceptional value: outcomes comparable to the state's flagship universities at a school that admits nearly nine in ten applicants. Parents worried about job placement should note this program lands graduates in the 94th percentile nationally—better than 1,100 other accounting programs across the country. Unless your child can get into one of Virginia's handful of elite programs, Mason delivers top-tier results at modest debt levels.