Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges Under $20,000

Texas A&M International University offers the nation's most affordable interdisciplinary studies program at just $3,061 net cost, making complex problem-solving education accessible along the Mexican border. This dramatic cost advantage reflects broader patterns across the field, where public institutions dominate affordability rankings despite private options like Gods Bible School matching low prices at $3,138. The 20-school national market reveals striking regional variations, from CUNY Queens College graduates earning competitive salaries in New York's varied economy to Colorado Mountain College serving rural communities at $6,342 net cost. Interdisciplinary studies graduates enter a job market increasingly valuing cross-functional thinking, particularly in consulting, nonprofit management, and government roles where synthesis skills command premium salaries. The field's inherent flexibility allows students to combine multiple academic areas, creating unique qualifications for employers seeking adaptable professionals who can navigate complex organizational challenges.

Programs

$3,061 – $12,948

Net Price Range

$29,148

Avg. Program Earnings

44.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Texas A & M International University Laredo, Texas	$3,061	$7,846	48.9%	47.9%
2	Gods Bible School and College Cincinnati, Ohio	$3,138	$7,696	50.0%	63.8%
3	CUNY Queens College Queens, New York	$3,830	$7,538	60.2%	69.5%
4	Dalton State College Dalton, Georgia	$4,694	$3,283	29.6%
5	CUNY York College Jamaica, New York	$4,734	$7,358	30.3%	59.1%
6	Indiana University-Northwest Gary, Indiana	$5,970	$8,179	36.9%	80.3%
7	Indiana University-Kokomo Kokomo, Indiana	$6,276	$8,179	44.7%	85.8%
8	Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs, Colorado	$6,342	$2,700	25.9%
9	California State University-Fresno Fresno, California	$6,480	$6,980	54.8%	95.4%
10	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500	$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
11	University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras San Juan, Puerto Rico	$6,507	$5,324	52.5%	51.6%
12	Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, North Carolina	$6,608	$10,646	46.4%	80.0%
13	Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, Idaho	$7,131	$4,656	55.1%	95.6%
14	Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, North Carolina	$7,237	$3,412	48.1%	74.2%
15	Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida	$8,001	$4,879	64.3%	81.3%
16	University of West Florida Pensacola, Florida	$8,155	$6,360	61.8%	48.0%
17	Indiana University-Southeast New Albany, Indiana	$8,257	$8,179	33.4%	85.2%
18	Indiana University-South Bend South Bend, Indiana	$8,364	$8,179	35.7%	86.9%
19	Purdue University Northwest Hammond, Indiana	$8,463	$8,419	44.0%	72.8%
20	University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Chickasha, Oklahoma	$8,543	$9,000	36.3%	56.3%
21	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$5,498	25.2%
22	Gordon State College Barnesville, Georgia	$8,918	$3,475	17.3%	93.3%
23	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992	$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
24	Indiana University-East Richmond, Indiana	$9,082	$8,179	45.4%	77.6%
25	Florida International University Miami, Florida	$9,133	$6,565	73.9%	63.9%
26	University of Guam Mangilao, Guam	$9,424	$6,110	42.1%
27	West Virginia University Institute of Technology Beckley, West Virginia	$9,957	$8,064	36.1%	64.6%
28	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	$10,017	$12,817	62.3%	88.4%
29	Wiley University Marshall, Texas	$10,095	$12,500	20.0%
30	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
31	Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, Florida	$10,319	$6,118	56.0%	74.4%
32	University of North Florida Jacksonville, Florida	$10,353	$6,389	68.2%	70.5%
33	Jarvis Christian University Hawkins, Texas	$10,409	$11,720	15.1%
34	University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida	$10,650	$6,368	75.1%	41.0%
35	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
36	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
37	Rhode Island College Providence, Rhode Island	$10,988	$10,986	46.2%	87.5%
38	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008	$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
39	University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama	$11,024	$11,990	54.0%	95.7%
40	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147	$7,630	29.3%
41	University of Maine at Augusta Augusta, Maine	$11,353	$8,618	23.3%
42	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
43	Southern Utah University Cedar City, Utah	$11,432	$6,770	59.0%	83.9%
44	Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$11,513	$9,254	32.5%	80.7%
45	Western Illinois University Macomb, Illinois	$11,592	$14,952	44.8%	75.0%
46	University of Michigan-Flint Flint, Michigan	$12,280	$14,014	44.6%	66.4%
47	Minot State University Minot, North Dakota	$12,514	$8,634	47.8%	93.2%
48	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
49	College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, Georgia	$12,905	$3,483	25.6%	98.3%
50	Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, Colorado	$12,948	$9,401	38.0%	98.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $5,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Regional economics and institutional funding models create substantial price gaps in interdisciplinary studies programs. Texas A&M International's $3,061 net cost reflects both state funding and local economic conditions near the Mexican border. Meanwhile, programs like Florida Atlantic University at $8,001 serve higher-cost metropolitan areas where living expenses inflate total attendance costs. Public institutions consistently outperform private options on affordability, with 13 of the 15 lowest-cost programs operating under state funding.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in interdisciplinary studies?

Higher-cost programs generally produce better completion rates, though notable exceptions challenge this pattern. CUNY Queens College achieves a 60.2% graduation rate at just $3,830 net cost, demonstrating that urban public institutions can deliver strong outcomes affordably. Conversely, Colorado Mountain College's 25.9% rate at $6,342 reflects the challenges rural institutions face with student retention. The data suggests that institutional support systems matter more than tuition levels for student success.

Where do interdisciplinary studies graduates find the highest starting salaries?

CUNY York College graduates command the field's highest early-career earnings at $33,993, benefiting from New York's concentrated job market in consulting, media, and nonprofit sectors. This salary substantially exceeds Brigham Young University-Idaho's $20,140 average, highlighting how geographic location influences earning potential. The $13,853 salary gap between these programs reflects regional economic conditions and employer demand for interdisciplinary skills in major metropolitan areas versus smaller communities.

Does program selectivity indicate quality in affordable interdisciplinary studies options?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically without clear correlation to outcomes, suggesting that institutional mission drives admissions policies more than academic rigor. California State University-Fresno accepts 95.4% of applicants while maintaining a respectable 54.8% graduation rate, indicating that open access doesn't compromise program effectiveness. Meanwhile, Texas A&M International's 47.9% acceptance rate reflects competitive demand for border region education. The data suggests that motivated students can succeed across different selectivity levels.

Is debt load manageable for graduates from these affordable programs?

Most affordable interdisciplinary studies programs produce manageable debt levels, with Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates averaging just $13,074 in loans against $20,140 starting salaries. This favorable debt-to-income ratio contrasts sharply with Elizabeth City State University's $21,571 average debt load, which approaches annual starting salaries in the field. Florida Atlantic University strikes a middle ground with $19,111 in debt offset by $31,314 earnings, creating sustainable repayment scenarios for most graduates.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.