WhatGradsMake
Doctoral (Research)+14% vs national median231 grads tracked

Social Sciences at George Mason University

Ranked 5th of 61 doctoral (research) programs in Social Sciences by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$91,825
middle 50%: $66,707 – $119,693
Median · 5 years out
$105,519
middle 50%: $73,538 – $140,763
Median · 10 years out
$171,106
middle 50%: $117,867 – $205,343

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Social Sciences (doctoral (research)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of George Mason University's doctoral (research) program in Social Sciences earn a median $91,825 one year after graduating, rising to $171,106 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 14% above the national median of $92,302 for this field, ranking 5th of 61 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
3.5 yrs
≈ $3,695 total interest

Same major at other universities

Iowa State University of Science & Technology
$115,806 · 5 yrs out
North Carolina State University
$110,004 · 5 yrs out
Oregon State University
$110,004 · 5 yrs out
University of Illinois Chicago
$106,500 · 5 yrs out
University of Houston
$104,958 · 5 yrs out
University of Utah
$103,633 · 5 yrs out
Georgia State University
$100,451 · 5 yrs out
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
$99,870 · 5 yrs out
University of Michigan
$99,731 · 5 yrs out
Old Dominion University
$99,192 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at George Mason University

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$183,592 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$158,478 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$148,304 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$137,848 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Master's)
$137,668 · 5 yrs out
Legal Professions and Studies (Doctorate)
$134,767 · 5 yrs out
Law (Doctorate)
$134,767 · 5 yrs out
Public Administration and Social Service Professions (Doctorate)
$130,148 · 5 yrs out
Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Doctorate)
$127,509 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$126,951 · 5 yrs out
Natural Resources and Conservation (Doctorate)
$122,445 · 5 yrs out
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs (Master's)
$121,298 · 5 yrs out

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