Cheapest Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Colleges in Virginia

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies programs in Virginia show dramatic price differences that reflect the state's mixed higher education market. University of Virginia's College at Wise offers the most affordable option at $11,180 net cost, while private institutions like Hollins University reach $22,263 despite financial aid. This 99% cost gap reveals how public regional universities serve budget-conscious students differently than private colleges. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates strong demand for graduates who can bridge multiple fields of knowledge. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruit interdisciplinary thinkers who understand both technical and policy perspectives. The state's 15 most affordable programs produce graduates earning between $26,739 and $37,136, with Christopher Newport University showing the lowest median earnings despite its $22,197 cost. Public universities dominate the lower cost ranges, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state institutions. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Virginia State's 40.7% to Christopher Newport's 75.1%, indicating that affordability doesn't always predict student success rates.

Programs

$11,180 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$36,745

Avg. Program Earnings

59.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, Virginia	$11,180	$11,656	49.8%	75.6%
2	Norfolk State University Norfolk, Virginia	$12,973	$9,910	32.7%	89.5%
3	Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia	$14,170	$12,262	44.4%	95.1%
4	Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia	$14,553	$9,755	40.7%	89.7%
5	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640	$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
6	Mary Baldwin University Staunton, Virginia	$17,833	$33,157	55.7%
7	Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$18,749	$20,686	54.1%	32.3%
8	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
9	Virginia Union University Richmond, Virginia	$19,580	$14,880	41.3%	80.6%
10	Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,583	$36,960	49.1%	81.4%
11	Emory & Henry University Emory, Virginia	$20,591	$35,280	53.8%	96.9%
12	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108	$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
13	Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia	$22,197	$16,351	75.1%	85.4%
14	Bluefield University Bluefield, Virginia	$22,198	$29,696	27.1%	63.0%
15	Hollins University Roanoke, Virginia	$22,263	$42,260	69.7%	72.4%
16	William & Mary Williamsburg, Virginia	$22,529	$25,040	91.0%	33.5%
17	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
18	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383	$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
19	Washington and Lee University Lexington, Virginia	$23,911	$64,525	94.9%	17.0%
20	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552	$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
21	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417	$62,600	87.8%	24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $11,000 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The cost gap reflects Virginia's dual public-private system and regional funding differences. UVA-Wise at $11,180 receives state subsidies as a public regional university, while private colleges like Hollins at $22,263 rely on tuition revenue. Geographic location also matters, with rural campuses typically offering lower costs than urban centers. The VTAG grant helps private college students, but doesn't fully close the public-private price divide.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Virginia?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Christopher Newport at $22,197 achieves a 75.1% graduation rate, while Bluefield University costs similar amounts but graduates only 27.1% of students. Public universities like Virginia Commonwealth ($19,452) maintain solid 65.4% rates. The data suggests that institutional support services, not just price, drive student success.

Is earning potential worth the higher costs at private colleges?

Earnings data shows mixed results for private versus public programs. Virginia Wesleyan graduates earn $35,330 despite paying $20,583, while Christopher Newport graduates earn just $26,739 at $22,197 cost. Old Dominion offers strong value with $37,136 median earnings at $14,170 cost. Private colleges don't guarantee higher salaries, making public options more attractive financially.

Does Virginia's government job market favor interdisciplinary graduates?

Federal agencies and defense contractors in Virginia actively seek candidates who understand multiple disciplines. Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and government offices need employees who can navigate technical, policy, and business domains simultaneously. The state's median earnings of $32,000-$37,000 for these graduates reflect entry-level federal positions. Many interdisciplinary majors use their degrees as stepping stones to specialized graduate programs or federal careers.

Where should students focus if they want the best value programs?

Old Dominion University offers strong value at $14,170 with $37,136 median earnings and 44.4% graduation rates. UVA-Wise provides the lowest cost at $11,180 but lacks salary data. Radford University balances moderate costs ($16,640) with solid earnings ($37,118) and 49.6% graduation rates. Students should prioritize schools with available earnings data and reasonable completion rates over pure cost considerations.

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.