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Millikin University stands out among Illinois interdisciplinary programs with its strong net price of $8,837, nearly half the cost of most private competitors in the state. The 17 programs offering Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies show a striking cost divide, with public options like Northern Illinois University charging $12,909 while private schools like Northwestern reach $27,143. Graduates across these programs earn between $27,204 and $41,565, with Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois University both hitting the top earnings figure of $41,565. Chicago's finance and consulting sectors actively recruit interdisciplinary graduates who can bridge multiple departments and think across traditional academic boundaries. Illinois MAP Grants help reduce costs further for qualifying students, making programs like University of St Francis more accessible at $16,284 net price despite its $37,000 sticker price.
17
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$35,628
Avg. Program Earnings
60.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,093 $41,565 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
2 $16,177 $41,565 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
3 $16,157 $34,882 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
4 $17,945 $32,925 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
5 $26,788 $27,204 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
6 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
7 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
8 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
9 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
10 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
11 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
12 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
13 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
14 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
15 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
16 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
17 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge price gap between Millikin University at $8,837 and Northwestern at $27,143?

Millikin offers substantial financial aid that brings its net price well below its $26,892 sticker price, while Northwestern's high demand allows it to maintain premium pricing despite generous aid. Both schools serve different markets, with Millikin focusing on regional accessibility and Northwestern targeting national recruitment. The $18,306 difference reflects these distinct positioning strategies and endowment resources.

How do graduation rates compare between the most affordable and expensive programs?

Northwestern leads with a 95.9% graduation rate but costs $27,143, while budget option Northern Illinois achieves 49.6% at $12,909. Eastern Illinois delivers solid value with 45.2% graduation rates at $14,093 net cost. The correlation between price and completion isn't absolute, as Illinois Wesleyan reaches 82.5% graduation rates at $29,550.

Is there a connection between program cost and post-graduation earnings?

Surprisingly, the highest earners at $41,565 come from mid-priced Eastern Illinois ($14,093) and Southern Illinois ($16,177), not the most expensive programs. Columbia College Chicago carries the highest debt at $26,000 but produces the lowest earnings at $27,204. This suggests program quality and regional job placement matter more than tuition price for salary outcomes.

Where do most interdisciplinary studies graduates find work in Illinois?

Chicago's finance and consulting firms hire many interdisciplinary graduates for roles requiring broad analytical skills across departments. Healthcare systems throughout Illinois also recruit these graduates for administrative and program coordination positions. Manufacturing companies in the state value interdisciplinary training for project management and cross-functional team leadership roles.

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