Public Policy Analysis at George Mason University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How George Mason University graduates compare to all programs nationally
George Mason University graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all public policy analysis masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Public Policy Analysis masters's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University | $74,616 | $94,800 | — | — |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $71,078 | $92,623 | — | — |
| Liberty University | $58,353 | $61,311 | — | — |
| National Median | $61,558 | — | — | — |
Other Public Policy Analysis Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville | $20,986 | $71,078 | — |
| Liberty University Lynchburg | $21,222 | $58,353 | — |
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.