Cheapest Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University's regional campuses dominate the most affordable Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies options, with IU-Northwest offering the lowest net price at just $5,970 annually. The cost gap between public and private institutions reaches $14,391, highlighting significant savings for students who choose state schools. These interdisciplinary programs align well with Indiana's manufacturing and healthcare economy, where employers like Eli Lilly and Cummins increasingly value graduates who can bridge multiple fields and adapt to changing industry needs. Public universities claim eight of the 15 most affordable spots, with graduation rates ranging from 32.50% at Purdue Fort Wayne to 53.90% at IU-Indianapolis. The 21st Century Scholars program further reduces costs for qualifying Indiana residents, making these already affordable programs even more accessible to students seeking flexible academic preparation for the state's evolving job market.

Programs

$5,970 – $20,361

Net Price Range

53.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University-Northwest Gary, Indiana	$5,970	$8,179	36.9%	80.3%
2	Indiana University-Kokomo Kokomo, Indiana	$6,276	$8,179	44.7%	85.8%
3	Indiana University-Southeast New Albany, Indiana	$8,257	$8,179	33.4%	85.2%
4	Indiana University-South Bend South Bend, Indiana	$8,364	$8,179	35.7%	86.9%
5	Purdue University Northwest Hammond, Indiana	$8,463	$8,419	44.0%	72.8%
6	Indiana University-East Richmond, Indiana	$9,082	$8,179	45.4%	77.6%
7	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
8	Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$11,513	$9,254	32.5%	80.7%
9	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
10	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, Indiana	$15,342	$11,790	81.2%	82.4%
11	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725	$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
12	Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, Indiana	$18,406	$30,034	69.9%	84.6%
13	Bethel University Mishawaka, Indiana	$19,726	$33,320	57.2%	99.5%
14	University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana	$20,230	$42,676	71.3%	76.3%
15	University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$20,361	$35,420	60.7%	98.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between public and private schools for this major?

Public institutions receive state funding that significantly reduces student costs, with IU-Northwest charging $5,970 compared to University of Evansville's $20,230 net price. Private schools like Goshen College list tuition at $37,760 before aid, while public schools start around $8,179 for in-state students. The $14,391 gap between the cheapest public and private options represents substantial savings over four years. State funding allows public universities to offer quality interdisciplinary programs without the premium pricing of private institutions.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates span a wide 48.7 percentage point range, from Purdue Fort Wayne's 32.50% to Indiana University-Bloomington's impressive 81.20%. The pattern shows that higher-cost public universities typically achieve better completion rates, with IU-Bloomington and IU-Indianapolis both exceeding 50%. Regional campuses like IU-Northwest and IU-Southeast maintain rates between 33-37%, reflecting their role serving working students and commuters. Private schools generally outperform public regional campuses, with Huntington University achieving 68.20% despite moderate costs.

Is the 21st Century Scholars program significant for these programs?

The program covers full tuition for qualifying Indiana students, which would eliminate the $8,179-$11,790 tuition costs at public universities completely. Students attending IU-Northwest would essentially pay only for room, board, and fees since their net price of $5,970 sits below most public tuition rates. This means eligible students could graduate debt-free from several programs on this list. The program particularly benefits students in interdisciplinary studies who plan to enter Indiana's workforce in manufacturing or healthcare sectors.

Where do these affordable programs provide the best value for career preparation?

IU-East offers strong value with a 45.40% graduation rate and $9,082 net price, while IU-Indianapolis provides access to the state capital's job market for $11,408. Purdue University Northwest combines engineering school resources with interdisciplinary flexibility at $8,463 annually. Students targeting Indiana's healthcare and manufacturing sectors benefit most from programs near major employers like IU-Indianapolis for proximity to Eli Lilly or Purdue Northwest for connections to the industrial corridor. Location matters significantly for internships and post-graduation employment in these fields.

More Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Rankings

Best Value Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General in Indiana Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Under $20,000 in Indiana

All Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Programs Best Colleges in Indiana Best Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General in Indiana

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.