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Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Maryland

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

McDaniel College produces the highest-earning Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates in Maryland at $39,009 annually, nearly $17,000 more than University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates earn despite both schools having similar acceptance rates above 80%. The gap between public and private school costs reaches $38,341 for McDaniel versus in-state tuition at UMES, yet private institutions consistently deliver higher graduate earnings. Maryland's proximity to federal agencies and research institutions creates unique opportunities for interdisciplinary graduates who can bridge multiple fields, particularly in government contracting and policy analysis roles. Public universities offer the strongest value proposition, with Towson University combining a net price of $16,791 with 67.6% graduation rates and $30,988 in earnings. The state's 20 programs range from $14,035 to $29,633 in net costs, reflecting both affordable community-focused options and premium liberal arts experiences that prepare students for Maryland's knowledge-based economy centered around Baltimore and the Washington D.C. corridor.
21
Programs
$14,035 – $29,633
Net Price Range
$30,274
Avg. Program Earnings
59.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $20,923 $39,009 $49,647 63.8% 82.1%
2 $16,791 $30,988 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
3 $18,362 $31,038 $15,236 68.0% 77.3%
4 $14,035 $22,192 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
5 $26,806 $34,704 $39,708 66.4% 84.1%
6 $24,536 $28,212 $41,910 51.9% 69.6%
7 $29,633 $25,774 $55,480 80.5% 83.5%
8 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
9 $29,095 $54,356 74.1% 74.7%
10 $16,456 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
11 $24,987 $47,240 58.0% 79.6%
12 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
13 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
14 $18,328 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
15 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
16 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
17 $23,707 $45,870 55.3% 77.9%
18 $23,774 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%
19 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
20 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
21 $19,335 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,000 earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

McDaniel College graduates earn $39,009 compared to $22,192 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, reflecting different institutional resources and alumni networks. Private colleges like McDaniel typically offer smaller class sizes and stronger career services that translate to higher starting salaries. The gap also reflects regional employment patterns, with graduates from higher-cost programs more likely to secure positions in the Washington D.C. metro area where salaries are elevated. However, UMES costs $6,888 less annually, potentially offsetting the earnings difference over time.

How do public university graduation rates compare for this major?

Public university graduation rates vary dramatically from 29.6% at University of Maryland Global Campus to 88.6% at University of Maryland-College Park. Towson University achieves 67.6% while Salisbury University reaches 67.4%, both significantly outperforming the national average for interdisciplinary programs. The wide range suggests that institutional support and student preparation levels matter more than public versus private status. Schools with higher acceptance rates above 85% tend to have lower completion rates, indicating a correlation between selectivity and student success.

Is the high cost of private schools justified by earnings potential?

Loyola University Maryland charges $29,633 net but graduates earn only $25,774, creating a concerning cost-to-earnings ratio compared to Towson University's $16,791 cost and $30,988 earnings. However, McDaniel College justifies its $20,923 price with $39,009 graduate earnings, the highest in the state. Private school debt loads averaging $27,000 to $29,046 can be manageable given higher starting salaries, but students must carefully evaluate each institution's specific outcomes rather than assuming private equals better returns.

What makes Maryland's job market favorable for interdisciplinary graduates?

Federal government proximity creates demand for professionals who can work across traditional academic boundaries, particularly in policy analysis and program management roles. The Baltimore-Washington corridor hosts numerous think tanks, consulting firms, and government contractors seeking graduates with broad analytical skills. Maryland's biotech and cybersecurity sectors also value interdisciplinary backgrounds for roles requiring technical understanding combined with business or policy knowledge. The state's high median income levels support starting salaries that range from $22,192 to $39,009 across different institutions.

Does school location within Maryland affect graduate outcomes?

Schools closer to Washington D.C. and Baltimore generally produce higher-earning graduates due to superior internship and job opportunities in these metropolitan areas. McDaniel College in Westminster and Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore both achieve strong graduate earnings above $25,000 annually. However, St. Mary's College in rural St. Mary's City still produces graduates earning $31,038, suggesting that institutional quality matters more than location alone. The key factor appears to be each school's connections to regional employers and alumni networks rather than pure geographic proximity.

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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.