Mathematics at George Mason University

George Mason's math grads start below Virginia's median but see solid earnings growth—$54,711 in year one jumps to $69,186 by year four. That 27% trajectory matters because it narrows the gap with top Virginia programs like UVA and William & Mary, whose graduates start $6,000-7,000 higher but don't necessarily maintain that advantage long-term. The $24,000 debt load is manageable with these earnings—you're looking at roughly five months of gross income in the first year, which is reasonable for a STEM field.

The geographic context here is crucial: while this program ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, it sits at just the 40th percentile among Virginia schools. That's less about George Mason underperforming than about Virginia having unusually strong math programs across the board. Even middle-tier programs in the state are producing good outcomes. The open admission rate (89%) means your student can likely get in if they're interested, though with an average SAT of 1247, they'll be studying alongside reasonably prepared peers.

For a family weighing in-state tuition at George Mason versus more selective Virginia schools, the question isn't whether this program works—it clearly does—but whether paying more elsewhere gets you proportionally better results. The earnings data suggests the gap closes over time, making this a solid value play for students who perform well regardless of institutional prestige.