Skip to main content

Cheapest Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in California

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the state's most affordable Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program at just $3,659 net cost, making specialized education accessible in Carson's growing industrial corridor. The $10,166 gap between the cheapest CSU option and UC San Diego reflects California's two-tier public system, where both paths lead to the same Silicon Valley tech companies that increasingly value cross-disciplinary thinking. Sacramento State graduates command the highest earnings at $42,682, nearly double the $25,709 median, demonstrating how proximity to state government creates premium opportunities for interdisciplinary problem-solvers. These programs prepare students for California's complex economy, where aerospace engineers collaborate with environmental scientists and biotech researchers work alongside policy analysts. The Cal Grant program covers full tuition at most CSU campuses, making the actual cost even lower for qualifying residents.
48
Programs
$3,659 – $45,723
Net Price Range
$44,548
Avg. Program Earnings
68.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
4 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
5 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
6 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
7 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
8 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
9 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
10 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
11 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
12 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
13 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
14 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
15 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
16 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
17 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
18 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
19 $13,801 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
20 $13,825 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
21 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
22 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
23 $14,487 $7,437 63.2% 92.4%
24 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
25 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
26 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
27 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
28 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
29 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
30 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
31 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
32 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
33 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
34 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
35 $25,300 $37,150 60.7% 65.9%
36 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
37 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
38 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
39 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
40 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
41 $27,653 $36,250 45.7% 32.2%
42 $28,248 $44,886 54.8% 62.6%
43 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
44 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
45 $32,492 $66,255 93.8% 13.4%
46 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
47 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
48 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $10,166 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive public options?

CSU Dominguez Hills costs $3,659 while UC San Diego reaches $11,750, reflecting different funding models and campus resources. The UC system typically charges higher fees but offers more research opportunities and smaller class sizes. Both systems qualify for Cal Grant coverage, which eliminates tuition charges for most California residents. The cost gap narrows significantly when factoring in living expenses and local job markets.

How do graduation rates vary across the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 23.5% at San Diego Christian College to 87.6% at UC San Diego, with most CSU campuses falling between 45-60%. CSU Long Beach achieves 69.9% despite moderate costs, while CSU East Bay graduates only 45.5% of students. The data shows that affordability doesn't necessarily correlate with completion rates. Public universities generally outperform private options in both cost and graduation success.

Where do Sacramento State's $42,682 earnings come from in California's job market?

Sacramento's proximity to state government creates high-paying positions for interdisciplinary graduates in policy analysis, environmental planning, and regulatory compliance. The capital region hosts major employers like Intel, Kaiser Permanente, and numerous state agencies requiring cross-functional expertise. These roles typically start 65% higher than the $25,709 statewide median for the major. Government contractors and consulting firms also compete for graduates who understand both technical and administrative perspectives.

Does acceptance rate affect program quality among these affordable options?

Acceptance rates range from UC San Diego's selective 23.7% to CSU Stanislaus's open 96.6%, but selectivity doesn't determine career outcomes. CSU Northridge accepts 91% of applicants yet produces graduates earning $29,503, above many more selective programs. The variation reflects different institutional missions rather than quality differences. Students benefit from having multiple pathways to interdisciplinary education across California's public system.

What makes Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies valuable in California's economy?

California's $3.5 trillion economy requires professionals who bridge traditional academic silos, from tech-biotech collaborations to aerospace-environmental projects. Companies like SpaceX need employees who understand both engineering and regulatory frameworks, while Silicon Valley startups value generalists who adapt quickly. The state's complex challenges in housing, climate, and technology demand interdisciplinary approaches. These programs produce graduates ready for California's evolving job market where specialization meets broad problem-solving skills.

More Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Rankings

Best Value Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other in California Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Under $20,000 in California

Related

All Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs Best Colleges in California Best Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other in California

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