Location: Fairfax, VA•In-State Tuition: $13,815•Out-of-State Tuition: $39,397•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1247
Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,100
64th percentile
60th percentile in Virginia
Median Debt
$25,747
3% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.61 ManageableSample: 33 graduates

Analysis

George Mason's Security Science and Technology program places graduates slightly ahead of the pack, with first-year earnings of $42,100 beating both the national median ($39,252) and Virginia's state median ($39,800). The debt load of $25,747 is essentially average for this field, resulting in a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates earn their full debt back in roughly seven months. With nearly 200 schools nationwide offering this degree, landing at the 64th percentile nationally suggests George Mason provides solid training without the premium price tag of top-tier programs.

The practical math works in students' favor here. That $42,100 starting salary translates to about $3,500 monthly before taxes, and the debt burden sits right at the national median for this field. Among Virginia's 11 programs, George Mason performs reasonably well at the 60th percentile, outearning competitors like VCU by nearly $5,000 annually. For a program at a school with an 89% admission rate, these outcomes represent fair value—students aren't paying elite-school prices for middling results.

This is a straightforward investment proposition: average debt for above-average earnings in a specialized field. Parents should recognize this isn't a high-earning career path overall, but the program delivers what it promises without burying graduates in disproportionate debt. For Virginia residents benefiting from in-state tuition, this represents sensible career preparation in an emerging security sector.

Where George Mason University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all security science and technology bachelors's programs nationally

George Mason UniversityOther security science and technology 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 $42k — 64th percentile among security science and technology bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Security Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$42,100—$25,7470.61
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond$16,458$37,501$50,263$26,0000.69
National Median—$39,252—$25,0000.64

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with security science and technology graduates

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

$97,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

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:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/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:

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Customs and Border Protection Officers

Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.

$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.