Computer Engineering at George Mason University

George Mason's Computer Engineering program places graduates well above the national median with first-year earnings of $87,466, though it occupies the middle tier within Virginia itself. At the 60th percentile statewide, Mason grads earn roughly what Virginia Tech grads make initially, but fall well short of UVA's $118,232. The debt load of $26,697 is reasonable—translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31—and notably lower than what many engineering programs charge. With consistent growth to nearly $100,000 by year four, the trajectory looks solid.

The real story here is accessibility meets competitiveness. With an 89% admission rate, Mason offers a realistic path into computer engineering for students who might not crack UVA's selective admissions, while still delivering outcomes that beat 84% of similar programs nationally. The 30% Pell grant population suggests meaningful economic mobility without sacrificing earning power. While you're not getting UVA-level prestige or starting salaries, you're also not gambling on an expensive, uncertain outcome.

For families weighing cost against career prospects, this represents a smart middle ground. Your child enters the workforce with manageable debt and immediately competitive earnings in one of tech's strongest fields, with clear upward momentum in those early career years.