Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,414
71st percentile (60th in AL)
Median Debt
$23,000
12% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.58
Manageable
Sample Size
31
Adequate data

Analysis

Auburn's interdisciplinary studies graduates start at $39,414—outperforming the typical program graduate in this field by over $4,000 and landing in the 71st percentile nationally. Within Alabama, this program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), though it trails the University of Alabama's stronger outcomes by about $5,000. The $23,000 in typical debt is meaningfully lower than both the state ($29,468) and national ($26,000) medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 that allows graduates to manage repayment while building financial stability.

The earnings trajectory shows steady if unspectacular growth, reaching nearly $43,000 by year four—a 9% increase that suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers. For a degree that often serves students combining multiple interests or preparing for graduate school, these outcomes indicate the Auburn credential carries weight in Alabama's job market. The moderate sample size means individual results will vary, but the overall pattern is clear: graduates aren't struggling to find decent-paying work.

For families concerned about interdisciplinary studies leading to an uncertain career path, Auburn's version appears to deliver reliable middle-class outcomes without excessive debt. It's not going to match specialized STEM fields, but it significantly outperforms the typical interdisciplinary program nationally while keeping borrowing in check.

Where Auburn University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally

Auburn UniversityOther multi-/interdisciplinary studies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Auburn University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Auburn University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Auburn University$39,414$42,948$23,0000.58
The University of Alabama$44,838$45,329$29,3110.65
University of South Alabama$31,630$41,326$29,6250.94
Auburn University at Montgomery$30,694—$31,5001.03
National Median$35,282—$26,0000.74

Other Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Programs in Alabama

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa
$11,900$44,838$29,311
University of South Alabama
Mobile
$9,676$31,630$29,625
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery
$9,436$30,694$31,500

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Auburn University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.