Location: Fairfax, VA•In-State Tuition: $13,815•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,397•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1247
Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,612
82nd percentile
60th percentile in Virginia
Median Debt
$20,761
21% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 439 graduates

Analysis

George Mason's Criminal Justice program delivers solid returns that outshine most schools nationally, ranking in the 82nd percentile for graduate earnings. With first-year salaries of $43,612 and four-year earnings reaching $61,608, graduates earn significantly more than the national median of $37,856. The debt burden of $20,761 is also well below the national average, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48.

Within Virginia, the program holds its own despite stiffer competition, ranking in the 60th percentile among state schools. While it trails Liberty and a few private universities, Mason graduates still out-earn the state median by over $4,000 annually. The 41% earnings growth from years one to four suggests strong career advancement potential, likely reflecting the program's proximity to federal law enforcement agencies and the broader Washington D.C. metropolitan job market.

For families concerned about value, this program represents a smart investment. The combination of above-average earnings, below-average debt, and strong growth trajectory creates a compelling financial picture. Given Mason's reasonable admission standards and the robust sample size backing these figures, parents can feel confident this program delivers genuine career preparation without excessive financial risk.

Where George Mason University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally

George Mason UniversityOther criminal justice and corrections programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How George Mason University graduates compare to all programs nationally

George Mason University earns $44k — 82th percentile among criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
George Mason University$43,612$61,608+41%
Marymount University$35,642$60,710+70%
Liberty University$48,855$51,272+5%
Virginia Commonwealth University$38,495$50,745+32%
Strayer University-Virginia$43,405$50,636+17%

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$43,612$61,608$20,7610.48
Liberty UniversityLynchburg$21,222$48,855$51,272$29,7280.61
Shenandoah UniversityWinchester$36,028$46,816$48,787$25,8100.55
Regent UniversityVirginia Beach$20,686$46,005—$21,2370.46
Averett UniversityDanville$38,550$43,494$44,032$29,7030.68
Strayer University-VirginiaArlington$13,920$43,405$50,636$56,9371.31
National Median—$37,856—$26,1300.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Emergency Management Directors

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

$86,130/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At George Mason University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 439 graduates with reported earnings and 448 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.