Cheapest Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in California

California State University-Fresno stands out with a remarkably low $6,480 net price for Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, making it nearly four times cheaper than the state average of $31,058. This cost advantage matters in California's tech-heavy economy, where interdisciplinary skills bridge gaps between engineering, business, and design at companies like Apple and Google. While private options like Pitzer College command $31,663 annually, Fresno's 95.43% acceptance rate opens doors for budget-conscious students. The 54.80% graduation rate reflects the challenges many face balancing work and study, yet graduates enter a job market where cross-functional expertise increasingly drives innovation across Silicon Valley startups and aerospace giants.

Programs

$6,480 – $50,218

Net Price Range

$39,927

Avg. Program Earnings

61.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Fresno Fresno, California	$6,480	$6,980	54.8%	95.4%
2	Los Angeles Pacific University San Dimas, California	$20,170	$11,976	32.5%
3	Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, California	$25,009	$48,132	53.4%	75.8%
4	Biola University La Mirada, California	$28,101	$46,704	68.8%	56.6%
5	National University San Diego, California	$31,058	$13,320	50.0%
6	University of Massachusetts Global Irvine, California	$31,601	$12,520
7	Pitzer College Claremont, California	$31,663	$62,692	83.2%	18.4%
8	University of Saint Katherine San Marcos, California	$33,072	$28,800	43.5%	65.6%
9	Occidental College Los Angeles, California	$39,329	$63,446	85.1%	39.4%
10	FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles, California	$41,493	$34,325	67.2%	41.7%
11	Dominican University of California San Rafael, California	$50,218	$50,666	76.3%	93.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cheaper is the most affordable program compared to the most expensive?

California State University-Fresno costs $6,480 annually while Dominican University of California reaches $50,218, creating a $43,738 gap. This means students could complete four years at Fresno for less than one year at Dominican.

What explains the wide range in graduation rates across these programs?

Graduation rates span from 32.50% at Los Angeles Pacific University to 85.10% at Occidental College. Higher-priced schools like Occidental ($39,329 net) and Pitzer ($31,663) typically show stronger completion rates, often reflecting more student support services and selective admissions.

Is National University the only school reporting specific earnings data?

Yes, National University reports $39,927 in median earnings for graduates, though students pay $31,058 annually with $31,250 in typical debt. This suggests a reasonable return on investment despite the substantial borrowing required.

Where do acceptance rates vary most dramatically among these schools?

Acceptance rates range from Pitzer College's selective 18.40% to California State University-Fresno's open 95.43%. The most expensive schools like Pitzer and Occidental maintain lower acceptance rates around 18-39%, while budget options accept nearly all applicants.

More Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Rankings

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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.