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Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in California

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

University of the Pacific graduates with Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies degrees earn $141,586 annually, nearly triple the median for similar programs across California's 20 institutions. This earning potential reflects the state's varied economy, where interdisciplinary thinking drives innovation in Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms like SpaceX, and biotech startups that value graduates who can bridge multiple fields. Public universities dominate the affordability market, with net costs ranging from $5,918 at CSU San Bernardino to $16,607 at UC Santa Cruz. Private institutions command significantly higher prices, with University of Southern California charging $31,927 net despite modest earnings of $36,941 for program graduates. California's Cal Grant system helps level the playing field for qualifying students at public institutions, though the state's high cost of living requires careful consideration of post-graduation earning potential versus education investment.
48
Programs
$3,659 – $45,723
Net Price Range
$44,548
Avg. Program Earnings
68.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $25,926 $141,586 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
2 $10,512 $42,682 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
3 $7,599 $29,503 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
4 $14,013 $43,957 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
5 $16,607 $47,260 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
6 $14,979 $42,123 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
7 $12,840 $25,709 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
8 $27,384 $50,856 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
9 $13,167 $22,485 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
10 $16,174 $27,048 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
11 $31,927 $36,941 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
12 $26,433 $24,421 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
13 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
14 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
15 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
16 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
17 $27,653 $36,250 45.7% 32.2%
18 $14,487 $7,437 63.2% 92.4%
19 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
20 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
21 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
22 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
23 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
24 $28,248 $44,886 54.8% 62.6%
25 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
26 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
27 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
28 $25,300 $37,150 60.7% 65.9%
29 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
30 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
31 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
32 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
33 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
34 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
35 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
36 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
37 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
38 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
39 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
40 $32,492 $66,255 93.8% 13.4%
41 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
42 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
43 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
44 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
45 $13,825 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
46 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
47 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
48 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the massive earning gap between top and bottom programs?

University of the Pacific graduates earn $141,586 while Cal Poly Humboldt graduates earn $22,485, a difference of over $119,000 annually. Location plays a significant role, as Pacific's Stockton campus provides access to Bay Area opportunities where interdisciplinary skills command premium salaries. The type of interdisciplinary focus also matters, with some programs preparing students for high-paying tech and finance roles while others target public service careers.

How do public universities compare to private options for program value?

Public universities offer dramatically lower net costs, averaging around $10,000-15,000 compared to $25,000-32,000 at private institutions. UC Berkeley provides strong value with a $14,979 net cost, 92.9% graduation rate, and strong alumni networks in California's major industries. However, University of the Pacific justifies its $25,926 net cost with the highest graduate earnings in the state at $141,586.

Is the 8.57% acceptance rate at UCLA worth pursuing for this major?

UCLA's highly selective admission process reflects its strong academic reputation and prime Los Angeles location. Graduates earn $43,957 annually with a 92.7% graduation rate and benefit from extensive alumni connections throughout California's entertainment, tech, and aerospace industries. The $14,013 net cost represents excellent value given the university's resources and career placement success.

Does California's job market specifically benefit interdisciplinary studies graduates?

California's $3.5 trillion economy rewards interdisciplinary thinking across multiple sectors including tech, aerospace, and biotech. Companies like Google and SpaceX actively seek graduates who can work across traditional departmental boundaries. The state's startup culture particularly values the broad skill sets that interdisciplinary programs develop, explaining why some graduates achieve six-figure salaries.

Where can students find the most affordable quality programs?

CSU San Bernardino offers the lowest net cost at $5,918 with a 54.7% graduation rate and 91.08% acceptance rate. CSU Fresno follows at $6,480 net cost with similar graduation rates. Both universities provide access to California's Central Valley job markets while maintaining affordability through in-state tuition and generous financial aid packages.

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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.