Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at American University

American University's interdisciplinary certificate graduates earn $45,207 in their first year—about $8,000 more than the national median for similar programs. This positions the certificate solidly above average, landing in the 61st percentile nationally. The $22,673 in typical debt runs higher than the national median, but the 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can expect to owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable burden by certificate program standards.

Context matters here: this is the only school in DC reporting data for this program type, making direct local comparisons impossible. However, American's selectivity (47% admission rate, 1392 average SAT) and DC location likely contribute to the earnings premium over similar certificates elsewhere. The certificate appears designed for students seeking skills augmentation rather than career transformation, which explains the moderate earnings level despite the university's strong academic profile.

For families considering this investment, the math works reasonably well. Graduates earn enough to handle the debt load, and they're outperforming most peers with similar credentials. The key question is whether a certificate delivers sufficient value compared to a full degree program at American—something to weigh against the lower time and cost commitment this credential requires.