History at George Mason University

George Mason's History program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that warrants close attention to timing. Fresh graduates earn just $25,992—well below Virginia's median of $32,368 for history majors and ranking in only the 25th percentile statewide. However, earnings nearly double by year four to $50,874, suggesting graduates eventually land professional positions after gaining experience or completing additional credentials. The debt load of $24,625 is manageable and typical for the field, though that initial year represents a genuine financial squeeze with debt nearly matching full earnings.

The question for your family is whether you can weather those first couple of years. This pattern—low starting salary followed by substantial growth—often indicates graduates need time to break into fields like education, government, or nonprofits where history majors frequently land. Compare this to Old Dominion or Longwood, where starting salaries are $11,000-12,000 higher immediately. If your child will be living at home or has family support during those initial years, the long-term trajectory looks reasonable. But if they'll be making full loan payments on a $26,000 salary while covering living expenses, that math gets difficult quickly. The four-year outcome is respectable; it's the path to get there that demands realistic planning.