Economics at George Mason University

George Mason's economics program offers one of the best debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find, with graduates starting at $53,024 and owing just $21,500—meaning the debt burden sits comfortably under half of first-year income. More importantly, earnings jump 52% by year four to over $80,000, making this program a genuine fast riser. That four-year figure puts graduates squarely in the middle class with manageable debt behind them, which is exactly what you want from a state university economics degree.

The Virginia context matters here. While Mason ranks in the 40th percentile among Virginia economics programs initially, it's competing against UVA, William & Mary, and Washington & Lee—elite schools with much tougher admissions. Mason's 89% acceptance rate means your child has a realistic shot at admission, unlike those highly selective alternatives. The gap narrows over time as Mason grads' earnings accelerate, and the debt load is actually slightly lower than the state median.

This program works particularly well for students who want solid economics training without betting heavily on immediate post-graduation earnings. The trajectory suggests Mason graduates are building real skills that employers value more with experience. At this debt level and with this earnings growth, you're looking at a program that pays for itself quickly and sets up genuine career momentum.