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Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Texas

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

Texas A&M University-Central Texas transforms affordability in interdisciplinary education with a net price of just $1,113, creating an extraordinary value gap compared to other programs that can cost over $13,000 annually. This 92% cost difference reflects how strategic location and institutional focus can dramatically impact student expenses. The interdisciplinary approach proves particularly valuable in Texas, where the state's second-largest healthcare workforce and Houston's massive Texas Medical Center create demand for professionals who can bridge multiple fields. Graduates from these programs earn between $25,194 and $48,710, with University of Houston leading earnings at $48,710 despite higher costs. The variation in debt loads, from $11,919 at UT Permian Basin to $24,750 at Lamar University, shows how institutional financial aid strategies differ significantly. Texas public universities dominate this space, benefiting from state funding that keeps in-state tuition manageable while preparing students for cross-functional roles in healthcare administration, research coordination, and program management across major employers like HCA Healthcare and Baylor Scott & White.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$40,365
Avg. Program Earnings
51.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $42,402 $6,627 95.7%
2 $3,061 $25,194 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $5,458 $41,894 $3,148 26.8%
4 $6,500 $41,193 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
5 $8,376 $43,128 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
6 $9,144 $44,356 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
7 $8,624 $41,667 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
8 $11,056 $47,684 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
9 $10,948 $46,300 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
10 $10,204 $41,811 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
11 $11,234 $45,146 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
12 $13,853 $48,710 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
13 $11,268 $39,305 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
14 $10,726 $36,668 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
15 $11,429 $38,412 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
16 $14,352 $46,794 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
17 $14,623 $45,142 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
18 $11,882 $36,382 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
19 $15,235 $46,577 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
20 $15,137 $43,967 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
21 $16,025 $44,520 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
22 $14,041 $38,289 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
23 $15,152 $41,214 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
24 $16,438 $44,328 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
25 $12,915 $34,217 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
26 $12,637 $33,162 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
27 $13,931 $35,914 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
28 $17,435 $44,276 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
29 $19,734 $49,576 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
30 $19,678 $45,458 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
31 $23,636 $50,856 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
32 $20,071 $42,868 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
33 $20,924 $44,482 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
34 $19,398 $39,741 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
35 $20,261 $39,255 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
36 $20,841 $39,935 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
37 $25,314 $32,925 $35,500 61.1% 48.8%
38 $23,790 $30,771 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
39 $23,451 $24,035 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
40 $30,092 $26,739 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
41 $41,942 $29,685 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
42 $12,714 $14,520 99.2%
43 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
44 $12,929 $14,310 57.1% 100.0%
45 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
46 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
47 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
48 $22,456 $20,260 23.9% 50.0%
49 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
50 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Texas A&M-Central Texas at $1,113 and other programs?

Texas A&M-Central Texas operates as a upper-level institution primarily serving transfer students, which reduces infrastructure costs and administrative overhead. The university focuses on junior and senior level coursework rather than maintaining extensive freshman facilities. Additionally, Killeen's lower cost of living and the university's partnership with local community colleges create operational efficiencies that translate directly to student savings.

How do earnings compare between the lowest and highest cost programs in Texas?

University of Houston graduates earn $48,710 despite paying $13,853 net annually, while Texas A&M International graduates earn $25,194 at just $3,061 net cost. This creates a return on investment ratio where Houston delivers $3.51 per dollar invested compared to International's $8.23 per dollar. However, the $6,516 salary difference may justify Houston's higher investment over a career span.

Is debt load consistent across Texas interdisciplinary programs?

Debt varies dramatically from $11,919 at UT Permian Basin to $24,750 at Lamar University, despite similar program costs. UT Permian Basin's location in Odessa's oil economy may provide more work-study opportunities, while Lamar students in Beaumont face higher living costs. Texas Woman's University maintains moderate debt at $20,500 while serving a specialized student population with unique financial needs.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program value in Texas interdisciplinary studies?

UT El Paso accepts 99.92% of applicants with moderate costs but lower earnings at $36,668, while University of Houston accepts only 66.24% yet delivers the highest earnings at $48,710. Texas A&M International's 47.88% acceptance rate represents the most selective program, though earnings remain the lowest at $25,194. This suggests selectivity doesn't guarantee higher graduate earnings in interdisciplinary fields.

Where do Texas interdisciplinary graduates find the best job markets?

Houston's Texas Medical Center offers the richest opportunities for interdisciplinary graduates, explaining University of Houston's $48,710 average earnings. San Antonio's growing healthcare sector supports UTSA graduates earning $45,146, while border regions like Laredo and Brownsville offer specialized roles in international business and cultural mediation. Rural areas like Kingsville and Commerce typically provide government and education sector positions with more modest but stable compensation.

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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.