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Cheapest Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College stands out dramatically among Pennsylvania's most affordable Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies programs, accepting just 6.93% of applicants while maintaining a net cost of $18,686 that rivals public universities. This creates an unusual changing where one of the nation's most selective liberal arts colleges costs nearly the same as University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg at $17,034. The 15 most affordable programs span a remarkable acceptance rate range from Swarthmore's ultra-selective admissions to University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg's 97.60% acceptance rate. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates in Pennsylvania benefit from the state's major employers like UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical giants that value flexible thinking and cross-sector knowledge. The field's emphasis on connecting different domains of study aligns well with Pennsylvania's economy, where healthcare systems integrate with technology companies and financial services blend with biotech research. Students can expect net costs ranging from $17,034 to $25,747, with public options like Pitt-Greensburg and Pitt-Johnstown offering particularly strong value alongside surprising affordability at elite private institutions.
45
Programs
$17,034 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$46,100
Avg. Program Earnings
69.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

45 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
2 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
3 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
4 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
5 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
6 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
7 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
8 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
9 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
10 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
11 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
12 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
13 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
14 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
15 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
16 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
17 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
18 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
19 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
20 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
21 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
22 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
23 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
24 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
25 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
26 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
27 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
28 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
29 $29,464 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
30 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
31 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
32 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
33 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
34 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
35 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
36 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
37 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
38 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
39 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
40 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
41 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
42 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
43 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
44 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
45 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College so affordable despite its 6.93% acceptance rate?

Swarthmore's generous financial aid brings the net cost down to just $18,686, even though full tuition reaches $62,412. The college's substantial endowment allows them to provide significant need-based aid to admitted students. With a 94.10% graduation rate, Swarthmore demonstrates that elite education can be accessible through strong financial support programs.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for this major in Pennsylvania?

Public universities like University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg ($17,034 net cost) and Pitt-Johnstown ($18,952) offer the lowest prices, but private colleges often close the gap through aid. Shippensburg University charges just $13,544 for in-state tuition, making it exceptionally affordable. Several private institutions like Saint Francis University and Lycoming College provide net costs under $20,000 through substantial financial assistance.

What graduation rates can students expect at these affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly across the 15 most affordable programs, ranging from 39.60% at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg to 94.10% at Swarthmore College. Mid-range options like Saint Francis University achieve 72.80% graduation rates at a $19,173 net cost. Students should balance affordability with completion rates when choosing between options like Allegheny College (66.50% graduation rate) and lower-cost alternatives.

Does the PA State Grant significantly impact costs for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies students?

Pennsylvania residents benefit from state grant programs that reduce costs at both public and private institutions within the state. The grants particularly help at private colleges where sticker prices exceed $40,000 but net costs drop below $25,000. In-state students at public universities like Shippensburg pay just $13,544 compared to much higher out-of-state rates.

Where do Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates find employment in Pennsylvania's job market?

Pennsylvania's major employers like UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical companies value the broad skill sets that Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates bring. The state's healthcare, technology, and finance sectors benefit from professionals who can work across traditional boundaries. With graduation rates ranging from 39.60% to 94.10% across affordable programs, students enter a job market that increasingly rewards adaptable, cross-trained professionals.

More Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 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.