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Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Williams College charges $64,860 in sticker price but delivers the lowest net cost at just $14,852 for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies students. This dramatic gap reflects Massachusetts schools' commitment to need-based aid, even as private institutions dominate the value market. Public options like UMass Amherst ($23,691 net) and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ($18,707 net) offer middle-ground pricing with solid career outcomes. The state's tech and biotech corridor around Route 128 actively recruits interdisciplinary graduates who can bridge multiple fields. Worcester Polytechnic Institute leads earnings at $57,318, showing how STEM-adjacent interdisciplinary programs capitalize on the region's innovation economy. Meanwhile, liberal arts colleges like Mount Holyoke ($29,685 earnings) prepare students for nonprofits and education sectors. Acceptance rates span from Williams' selective 8.5% to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' accessible 92.45%, giving students multiple pathways into interdisciplinary fields. The MassGrant Plus program helps in-state students bridge funding gaps at both public and private institutions.
27
Programs
$14,852 – $46,766
Net Price Range
$40,588
Avg. Program Earnings
73.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $26,996 $49,683 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
2 $23,691 $40,747 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
3 $18,707 $29,374 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
4 $43,273 $57,318 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
5 $31,569 $38,018 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
6 $36,868 $42,309 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
7 $33,885 $37,568 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
8 $29,562 $29,685 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
9 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
10 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
11 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
12 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
13 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
14 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
15 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
16 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
17 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
18 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
19 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
20 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
21 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
22 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
23 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
24 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
25 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
26 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
27 $46,766 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $28,421 difference between Williams College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute net costs?

Williams College offers strong need-based financial aid that reduces the net price to $14,852 despite a $64,860 sticker price. Worcester Polytechnic Institute's $43,273 net cost reflects less generous aid packages at the tech-focused institution. Williams graduates 96.6% of students compared to WPI's 88.4% rate. However, WPI graduates earn $57,318 annually while Williams lacks reported earnings data for this major.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for interdisciplinary studies value?

UMass Amherst leads public options with a $23,691 net cost and $40,747 graduate earnings, delivering strong returns. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offers the most affordable public option at $18,707 net cost but shows lower outcomes with 49.1% graduation rates. Private colleges dominate the top value positions, with 13 of the 15 schools being private nonprofit institutions. Public schools accept 63-92% of applicants while top private colleges admit under 15%.

Does location within Massachusetts affect program outcomes significantly?

Boston-area schools like Boston University and Emmanuel College benefit from proximity to biotech and healthcare employers seeking interdisciplinary graduates. Boston University students earn $49,683 annually, reflecting the city's job market advantages. Rural colleges like Williams in Williamstown and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams offer different career preparation but lower reported earnings. Worcester schools like Holy Cross and WPI serve the state's second-largest metropolitan area.

What makes Worcester Polytechnic Institute worth its higher $43,273 net cost?

WPI graduates earn $57,318 annually, the highest among schools with reported earnings data. The institute's STEM focus creates interdisciplinary programs that align with Massachusetts' technology sector needs. WPI maintains an 88.4% graduation rate and accepts 57.48% of applicants, offering reasonable admission chances. The school's project-based learning approach appeals to employers in the state's innovation economy.

Is financial aid significantly better at Massachusetts liberal arts colleges?

Elite liberal arts colleges offer the most generous aid packages, with Williams at $14,852 net and Mount Holyoke at $29,562 despite $64,000+ sticker prices. Wellesley College achieves a $25,008 net cost with a 91.2% graduation rate and 13.57% acceptance rate. These schools use large endowments to reduce student costs significantly. However, outcomes vary widely, with some liberal arts graduates earning under $30,000 annually.

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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.