Analysis
Virginia's top statistics programs report first-year earnings in the $63,000-$74,000 range, and peer programs nationally suggest George Mason graduates might earn around $60,000—putting this program slightly below both the state median ($68,000) and the outcomes at UVA and Virginia Tech. The estimated $20,000 in debt aligns with national norms for statistics bachelor's programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that suggests manageable repayment.
The national benchmark of roughly $60,000 for first-year statistics graduates represents solid earning potential, particularly given George Mason's 89% admission rate and accessibility to students from diverse backgrounds (30% receive Pell grants). Statistics remains a versatile degree with strong job market demand across finance, tech, and research sectors. However, the gap between George Mason's estimated outcomes and the proven track records at UVA and Virginia Tech is worth noting—especially since all three programs operate in the same regional job market.
For families evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable: a debt load under a third of first-year earnings and entry into a growing field. The caveat is that these figures are estimates based on similar programs elsewhere, not verified outcomes from Mason's own graduates. If your student can access one of Virginia's top-tier statistics programs, the earnings premium appears meaningful. Otherwise, George Mason offers an affordable path into a quantitative field, though verifying actual graduate outcomes before committing would provide valuable certainty.
Where George Mason University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all statistics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Statistics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 George Mason UniversityFairfax | $13,815 | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | — |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $73,991* | $84,065 | $18,500* | 0.25 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $62,598* | $82,965 | $15,500* | 0.25 |
| National Median | — | $59,718* | — | $20,150* | 0.34 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with statistics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 51 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.