Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Auburn University
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | $39,414 | $42,948 | $23,000 | 0.58 |
| The University of Alabama | $44,838 | $45,329 | $29,311 | 0.65 |
| University of South Alabama | $31,630 | $41,326 | $29,625 | 0.94 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | $30,694 | — | $31,500 | 1.03 |
| National Median | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
Other Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.