Best Value Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in New York

CUNY Queens College delivers Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies training for just $3,830 annually after aid, while private options like Syracuse University command $41,026 despite both serving the same vast New York job market. The 19 programs span from community-focused CUNY campuses to research universities, with graduate earning potential ranging from $25,194 to $53,697. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates earn the highest salaries at $53,697, proving that interdisciplinary skills translate well to New York's finance, media, and technology sectors where employers value adaptable thinking. Public institutions dominate the affordability market, with CUNY and SUNY schools offering net costs under $20,000, while private colleges average over $30,000 annually.

Programs

$3,830 – $41,026

Net Price Range

$39,993

Avg. Program Earnings

62.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY York College Jamaica, New York	$4,734	$33,993	$7,358	30.3%	59.1%
2	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred Alfred, New York	$14,488	$53,697	$8,862	52.7%	81.7%
3	Touro University New York, New York	$26,556	$38,649	$21,810	65.0%	71.3%
4	Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York	$39,660	$48,432	$46,140	79.8%	62.9%
5	Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, New York	$23,736	$25,194	$41,370	65.7%	88.3%
6	Wagner College Staten Island, New York	$27,733		$52,000	68.1%	68.5%
7	CUNY Queens College Queens, New York	$3,830		$7,538	60.2%	69.5%
8	Syracuse University Syracuse, New York	$41,026		$63,061	81.4%	51.8%
9	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147		$7,630	29.3%
10	SUNY College at Geneseo Geneseo, New York	$18,021		$8,966	72.1%	74.9%
11	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229		$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
12	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697		$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
13	St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, New York	$27,151		$40,150	70.4%	81.1%
14	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139		$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
15	Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, New York	$24,583		$32,049	53.3%	84.9%
16	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920		$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
17	Marymount Manhattan College New York, New York	$37,037		$40,260	49.8%	72.1%
18	Houghton University Houghton, New York	$21,148		$17,290	64.7%	77.0%
19	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$28,314		$65,740	91.3%	11.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the huge earning differences between programs?

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates earn $53,697 compared to Mount Saint Mary College's $25,194, a gap of over $28,000 annually. Alfred's technical focus and 52.7% graduation rate suggest stronger career preparation. The school's upstate location also means graduates often move to higher-paying metropolitan areas. Program structure and industry connections matter more than tuition costs for long-term earning potential.

How do CUNY schools compare to private alternatives for value?

CUNY Queens College costs just $3,830 after aid with a solid 60.2% graduation rate, while CUNY York College runs $4,734 with graduates earning $33,993. Private schools like Marist charge $39,660 but deliver higher earnings at $48,432 and better graduation rates at 79.8%. The CUNY system offers strong affordability for students planning to leverage New York's job market immediately after graduation.

Is the high cost of Syracuse University worth the investment?

Syracuse commands $41,026 annually but delivers an impressive 81.4% graduation rate and accepts only 51.75% of applicants. The school's research focus and alumni network in New York media and finance sectors justify the premium for students seeking competitive positions. However, students should weigh this against SUNY Geneseo's $18,021 cost and strong 72.1% graduation rate for similar academic rigor.

Where do graduates typically find employment in New York?

New York's finance, media, technology, and healthcare industries actively recruit interdisciplinary graduates for roles requiring broad analytical skills and adaptability. Wall Street firms value the critical thinking developed through interdisciplinary programs, while media companies in Manhattan seek graduates who understand multiple perspectives. The state's TAP grant program helps reduce costs for residents, making these career paths more accessible to students from varied economic backgrounds.

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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.