Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in New York

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies earn $69,338 annually, nearly double the median household income in many upstate New York communities. This stark contrast highlights how program choice and institutional resources can dramatically shape career trajectories in a field that spans multiple academic domains. At the other end of the spectrum, Farmingdale State College offers the same degree type for just $9,173 net cost, creating a $24,000 price difference with comparable institutions. New York's finance and technology sectors increasingly value professionals who can navigate complex, cross-functional projects, making interdisciplinary skills particularly marketable in Manhattan's corporate headquarters and Brooklyn's emerging tech hubs. The state's 15 programs range from Binghamton University's research-focused approach at $21,364 net cost to Barnard College's liberal arts foundation at $39,253. TAP grants help reduce costs for New York residents, though private institutions still command premium pricing. Students weighing options must consider that while Farmingdale offers the lowest entry cost, Rensselaer's graduates command salaries that can justify the higher investment over time.

Programs

$9,173 – $47,560

Net Price Range

$39,089

Avg. Program Earnings

66.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, New York	$9,173	$32,772	$8,576	57.1%	73.2%
2	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139	$69,338	$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
3	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364	$35,740	$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
4	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York	$18,430	$28,960	$10,560	77.8%	49.1%
5	New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, New York	$20,709	$29,685	$44,360	56.0%	75.7%
6	Barnard College New York, New York	$39,253	$49,646	$66,246	92.9%	8.8%
7	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$42,581	$46,087	$61,992	80.3%	54.1%
8	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901	$20,482	$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
9	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, New York	$18,833		$8,812	70.2%	72.5%
10	University at Albany Albany, New York	$18,486		$10,408	63.9%	67.9%
11	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470		$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
12	SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, New York	$13,882		$8,578	59.2%	81.7%
13	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229		$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
14	SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, New York	$15,644		$8,771	53.5%	84.6%
15	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697		$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
16	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$17,231		$8,769	60.4%	82.6%
17	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295		$8,712	47.9%	82.7%
18	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147		$7,630	29.3%
19	SUNY Maritime College Throggs Neck, New York	$21,781		$8,540	74.9%	80.3%
20	Vassar College Poughkeepsie, New York	$38,182		$67,805	89.1%	18.7%
21	Wells College Aurora, New York	$22,921		$35,166	40.9%	87.7%
22	Yeshiva University New York, New York	$47,560		$49,900	83.7%	63.2%
23	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred Alfred, New York	$14,488		$8,862	52.7%	81.7%
24	St. John's University-New York Queens, New York	$26,985		$50,110	68.5%	84.7%
25	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348		$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
26	St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, New York	$27,151		$40,150	70.4%	81.1%
27	University of Rochester Rochester, New York	$30,248		$64,348	84.5%	38.9%
28	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$29,694		$57,016	70.8%	67.2%
29	Pace University New York, New York	$31,046		$51,424	61.4%	82.9%
30	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920		$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
31	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881		$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
32	Hofstra University Hempstead, New York	$35,129		$55,450	67.1%	69.3%
33	D'Youville University Buffalo, New York	$19,585		$33,560	56.7%	84.0%
34	Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park, New York	$31,864		$38,410	64.7%	94.9%
35	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337		$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
36	Clarkson University Potsdam, New York	$31,955		$57,950	73.6%	78.4%
37	Bard College Annandale-On-Hudson, New York	$31,771		$63,612	72.7%	46.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $60,000 salary gap between highest and lowest earning graduates?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates earn $69,338 compared to Long Island University's $20,482, reflecting institutional reputation and program focus. RPI's technology orientation and alumni networks in engineering firms and tech companies provide access to higher-paying roles. Geographic factors also matter, as RPI graduates often work in Albany's government technology sector or migrate to Silicon Valley. The technical skills emphasis at RPI versus LIU's broader liberal arts approach creates different career pathways and earning potential.

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

Public options like Farmingdale State ($9,173) and Binghamton ($21,364) offer significant cost advantages over private institutions. Stony Brook University provides solid earnings potential at $28,960 with just $18,430 net cost, competing well with private alternatives. However, private colleges like Barnard achieve 92.9% graduation rates compared to public averages in the 57-83% range. The choice depends on whether students prioritize upfront affordability or long-term completion rates and alumni networks.

Is the high cost of living in New York worth the career opportunities?

New York's media, finance, and technology industries actively recruit interdisciplinary graduates for project management and business analysis roles. The state's $28,960 to $69,338 earning range reflects these opportunities, particularly in New York City where cross-functional skills command premium salaries. However, housing costs in Manhattan and Brooklyn can consume 40-50% of entry-level salaries. Students should factor geographic career plans into their college choice, as upstate graduates may find better cost-of-living ratios despite lower absolute salaries.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost and outcomes?

Higher-cost institutions generally show better completion rates, with Barnard's $39,253 net cost producing 92.9% graduation rates. Mid-range schools like Binghamton achieve 83.6% completion at $21,364, while budget options like Farmingdale and Long Island University hover around 55-57%. Rochester Institute of Technology breaks this pattern somewhat, achieving 70.8% graduation rates at $29,694 net cost. Students should weigh completion probability against debt levels, as non-completion often means debt without degree benefits.

Where do graduates typically find employment in New York's economy?

Financial services firms in Manhattan hire interdisciplinary graduates for client relations and project coordination roles paying $45,000-65,000 annually. Media companies in Brooklyn and Long Island seek content strategy and business development professionals with broad academic backgrounds. Healthcare administration positions across the state's hospital systems value graduates who understand both business operations and human services. Government agencies in Albany and New York City recruit for policy analysis and program management positions that require multi-disciplinary thinking skills.

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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.