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Best Value Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY York College delivers the country's most affordable interdisciplinary studies program at just $4,734 net cost, while SUNY Alfred graduates earn $53,697 annually - the highest in this field. This $49,000 earnings gap reflects how program focus and regional job markets shape career outcomes. New York's finance and tech sectors increasingly value graduates who can bridge multiple disciplines, from data analysis to project management. The 20 programs here range from $4,734 to $18,680 in net costs, with graduation rates spanning 20% to 75%. Public universities dominate the value equation, though Brigham Young University-Idaho offers private education at $7,131. Florida Atlantic University combines reasonable $8,001 costs with solid 64% graduation rates, while University of Central Florida maintains selective 41% acceptance despite strong outcomes. These programs prepare students for roles requiring analytical thinking across fields, particularly valuable in consulting, nonprofit management, and emerging industries where traditional majors fall short.
50
Programs
$4,734 – $39,660
Net Price Range
$31,694
Avg. Program Earnings
58.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,734 $33,993 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
2 $8,001 $31,314 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
3 $14,488 $53,697 $8,862 52.7% 81.7%
4 $10,353 $35,060 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
5 $7,131 $20,140 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
6 $10,017 $27,765 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
7 $10,650 $28,547 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
8 $12,817 $32,925 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
9 $11,024 $28,236 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
10 $10,095 $25,484 $12,500 20.0%
11 $13,091 $32,747 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
12 $11,592 $28,019 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
13 $15,960 $35,274 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
14 $15,432 $32,772 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
15 $15,142 $32,071 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
16 $13,485 $27,765 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
17 $14,922 $29,685 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
18 $17,413 $33,993 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
19 $17,460 $32,644 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
20 $18,680 $33,840 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
21 $19,182 $33,352 $8,782 61.9% 83.9%
22 $15,847 $27,346 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
23 $22,150 $37,208 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
24 $25,610 $42,682 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
25 $33,549 $54,661 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
26 $17,816 $28,960 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
27 $16,189 $26,121 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
28 $22,602 $35,274 $15,580 22.4%
29 $15,266 $23,761 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
30 $20,231 $31,314 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
31 $21,043 $32,029 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
32 $19,524 $29,517 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
33 $20,191 $30,475 $9,090 32.2% 88.6%
34 $19,313 $28,598 $11,640 27.8% 46.1%
35 $26,556 $38,649 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
36 $19,710 $28,598 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
37 $31,058 $39,927 $13,320 50.0%
38 $39,660 $48,432 $46,140 79.8% 62.9%
39 $24,832 $28,598 $40,464 71.9% 84.1%
40 $29,969 $32,514 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
41 $23,736 $25,194 $41,370 65.7% 88.3%
42 $26,572 $28,019 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
43 $34,439 $35,954 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
44 $24,659 $25,194 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
45 $24,415 $23,761 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
46 $23,897 $20,596 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
47 $24,028 $16,920 $46,179 69.2% 60.1%
48 $18,045 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
49 $24,583 $32,049 53.3% 84.9%
50 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between top and bottom programs?

SUNY Alfred graduates earn $53,697 compared to Brigham Young University-Idaho's $20,140, a $33,557 gap that reflects regional job markets and program focus. Alfred's technical emphasis serves New York's higher-paying industries, while BYU-Idaho's rural location and broader liberal arts approach yield different outcomes. Geographic location accounts for much of this variation, as interdisciplinary graduates in major metropolitan areas typically command higher starting salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio also varies significantly, with some programs offering better financial returns on investment.

How do public universities dominate the value equation in this field?

Thirteen of the top 15 value programs come from public institutions, with net costs averaging $11,800 compared to private alternatives. CUNY York College leads at $4,734, while Florida Atlantic University offers strong outcomes at $8,001 net cost. Public funding allows these schools to maintain lower tuition while serving varied student populations. The combination of state support and economies of scale makes public universities particularly effective for interdisciplinary programs that require faculty from multiple departments.

Is the 20% graduation rate at Wiley University a red flag for prospective students?

Wiley University's 20% graduation rate stands far below the field average and raises serious concerns about student success. While the $10,095 net cost appears reasonable, the low completion rate suggests significant academic or institutional challenges. Most other programs maintain graduation rates between 44% and 75%, making Wiley an outlier. Students should investigate support services, faculty resources, and program structure before enrolling in any program with such low completion rates.

Does geographic location significantly impact career prospects for interdisciplinary graduates?

Regional job markets create substantial earning differences, with graduates in major metropolitan areas typically earning $30,000-35,000 annually versus $20,000-25,000 in smaller markets. University of Central Florida benefits from Orlando's varied economy, while University of North Florida leverages Jacksonville's financial services sector. Tech hubs, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations increasingly seek graduates who can work across traditional boundaries. Rural programs like those in Idaho or Alabama often focus on local industries and community development roles.

Where do interdisciplinary studies graduates typically find employment after college?

Graduates commonly enter consulting, project management, nonprofit administration, and government roles that require broad analytical skills. The field's flexibility appeals to employers in emerging sectors like sustainability, healthcare administration, and social services. Many graduates pursue additional specialization or graduate school, using their broad foundation to enter fields like law, business, or public policy. Starting salaries range from $20,140 to $53,697 depending on location, with most programs producing graduates earning $28,000-35,000 annually.

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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.