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Cheapest Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Williams College delivers the nation's most affordable Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies education at just $14,852 net cost, despite charging $64,860 sticker price. This remarkable financial aid demonstrates how Massachusetts elite colleges make interdisciplinary learning accessible through need-based support. The state's public universities offer consistent value, with UMass Boston at $18,282 and Framingham State at $16,698, while private colleges range wildly from Williams' generous aid to $30,934 at the high end. Massachusetts biotechnology and healthcare sectors actively recruit graduates who can bridge multiple fields, making interdisciplinary skills particularly valuable in the state's innovation economy. The $20,000 earnings gap between lowest and highest earners reflects how interdisciplinary graduates adapt to different career paths, from nonprofit work starting around $29,000 to specialized roles reaching nearly $50,000. With graduation rates spanning from 49% at public institutions to over 90% at top private colleges, students face clear trade-offs between cost and completion rates.
27
Programs
$14,852 – $46,766
Net Price Range
$40,588
Avg. Program Earnings
73.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
2 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
3 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
4 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
5 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
6 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
7 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
8 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
9 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
10 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
11 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
12 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
13 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
14 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
15 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
16 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
17 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
18 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
19 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
20 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
21 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
22 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
23 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
24 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
25 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
26 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
27 $46,766 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Williams College's $14,852 net cost despite its $64,860 sticker price?

Williams College provides strong financial aid that covers nearly 77% of total costs for the average student. The college's $2.8 billion endowment enables generous need-based grants that make this elite education accessible. Despite accepting only 8.5% of applicants, Williams maintains strong financial aid commitments that often eliminate tuition entirely for families earning under $75,000 annually.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for interdisciplinary studies costs?

Massachusetts public universities cluster between $16,698 and $23,691 in net costs, with Framingham State offering the lowest at $16,698. UMass Boston follows closely at $18,282, while UMass Amherst costs $23,691 but delivers an 83% graduation rate. The MassGrant Plus program provides additional aid to in-state students, making these already affordable options even more accessible.

Does graduation rate correlation with cost justify higher spending?

Private colleges show dramatically higher completion rates, with Williams at 96.6% and Amherst at 93.4% compared to public institutions averaging 50%. However, the cost difference reaches $50,000 annually in some cases. Students must weigh whether paying three times more justifies doubling their graduation chances, especially when considering post-graduation debt loads.

What career earnings can graduates expect in Massachusetts?

Interdisciplinary studies graduates earn between $29,374 and $49,683 in Massachusetts, reflecting the field's broad career applications. Boston University graduates command the highest salaries at $49,683, while Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates start at $29,374. The state's biotech and healthcare sectors offer premium compensation for graduates who can navigate multiple disciplines effectively.

Where do acceptance rates create the biggest opportunities?

UMass Dartmouth accepts 95.5% of applicants at just $20,605 net cost, offering nearly guaranteed admission for qualified students. Framingham State admits 87.4% at an even lower $16,698, making it highly accessible. These high acceptance rates contrast sharply with Williams' 8.5% and Amherst's 7.3%, creating clear pathways for students seeking affordable interdisciplinary education.

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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.