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Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges

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

University of the Pacific produces interdisciplinary graduates earning $141,586 annually, nearly six times more than typical programs in this field where median earnings hover around $25,000. This massive earning gap reflects how interdisciplinary studies programs vary wildly in their career preparation and industry connections. Texas dominates the affordable options with four schools offering net prices below $10,000, including Texas A&M University-Central Texas at just $1,113 annually. These programs align well with the growing demand for cross-functional professionals in tech hubs, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations that value broad skill sets over narrow specialization. The wide acceptance rates, ranging from 47% to 96%, make these programs accessible entry points for students seeking flexible degree paths that can lead to graduate school or immediate employment across multiple sectors.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $25,926
Net Price Range
$41,435
Avg. Program Earnings
48.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $42,402 $6,627 95.7%
2 $3,061 $25,194 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $5,458 $41,894 $3,148 26.8%
4 $6,500 $41,193 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
5 $9,325 $57,318 $8,280 24.3%
6 $25,926 $141,586 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
7 $4,702 $24,267 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
8 $8,376 $43,128 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
9 $7,233 $37,208 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
10 $9,219 $45,500 $6,992 15.1%
11 $9,144 $44,356 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
12 $8,624 $41,667 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
13 $9,457 $45,500 $6,554 24.6%
14 $10,666 $48,667 $7,584 46.8% 96.4%
15 $10,705 $47,260 $6,900 21.5%
16 $11,056 $47,684 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
17 $10,948 $46,300 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
18 $10,204 $41,811 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
19 $10,512 $42,682 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
20 $11,234 $45,146 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
21 $8,463 $33,993 $6,270 40.7%
22 $10,874 $42,682 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
23 $7,599 $29,503 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
24 $6,351 $24,267 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
25 $12,280 $46,087 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
26 $8,896 $33,281 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
27 $11,800 $43,426 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
28 $9,173 $32,772 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
29 $13,853 $48,710 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
30 $13,289 $46,478 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
31 $11,268 $39,305 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
32 $9,918 $33,990 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
33 $10,726 $36,668 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
34 $9,133 $30,988 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
35 $11,429 $38,412 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
36 $7,912 $26,353 $7,868 34.9%
37 $14,352 $46,794 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
38 $9,957 $32,245 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
39 $10,097 $32,678 $6,906 37.0%
40 $14,013 $43,957 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
41 $14,832 $46,478 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
42 $14,623 $45,142 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
43 $11,882 $36,382 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
44 $15,235 $46,577 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
45 $4,483 $13,702 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
46 $14,106 $41,937 $7,812 14.3%
47 $12,638 $37,568 $9,800 39.8%
48 $10,011 $29,685 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
49 $14,093 $41,565 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
50 $13,405 $39,369 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between University of the Pacific and other programs?

University of the Pacific graduates earn $141,586 compared to $24,267 at University of Florida-Online, a gap of over $117,000 annually. This reflects Pacific's private school network effects and location in California's high-salary market. The school's interdisciplinary approach likely connects students to lucrative tech and consulting roles. Despite charging $55,340 in tuition, Pacific maintains a 93% acceptance rate while delivering strong financial returns.

How do Texas schools dominate the affordable options in this field?

Four of the top six most affordable programs operate in Texas, with net costs ranging from $1,113 to $8,376. Texas A&M University-Central Texas leads at $1,113, while graduates still earn $42,402 annually. The state's large public university system and oil industry tax revenue help subsidize education costs. These schools serve growing metropolitan areas like Dallas, Laredo, and the Rio Grande Valley where interdisciplinary skills meet regional job demands.

Is the low graduation rate at some schools a red flag for value?

Several strong value schools show concerning graduation rates, including Texas Southmost College at 27% and University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash at 15%. However, these community colleges often serve part-time students who transfer before completing degrees. University of Florida-Online achieves a 78% graduation rate while maintaining low costs, proving that affordable interdisciplinary programs can deliver completion success. Students should weigh graduation support against cost savings when choosing programs.

What career paths justify the wide range in post-graduation earnings?

Earnings span from $24,267 to $141,586, reflecting interdisciplinary studies' flexibility across industries. Lower-earning graduates often enter education, social services, or nonprofit work in rural markets. Higher earners typically land in consulting, project management, or tech roles in major metropolitan areas. University of Arkansas Grantham graduates earn $57,318 despite the school's online format, showing remote learning can access competitive job markets.

Does high acceptance rate indicate lower academic quality in these programs?

Most schools maintain acceptance rates above 85%, with University of Hawaii-West Oahu at 96% and Texas A&M University-Central Texas at 96%. These high rates reflect interdisciplinary studies serving varied student populations rather than academic weakness. Texas A&M International University accepts just 48% of applicants while still maintaining reasonable costs, proving selective programs exist. The field's broad application attracts many students, making access more important than exclusivity.

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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.