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
Earnings Distribution
How Auburn University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | $39,414 | $42,948 | +9% |
| Lehigh University | $74,734 | $78,295 | +5% |
| Marist University | $57,906 | $58,631 | +1% |
| The University of Alabama | $44,838 | $45,329 | +1% |
| University of South Alabama | $31,630 | $41,326 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $39,414 | $42,948 | $23,000 | 0.58 |
 The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa | $11,900 | $44,838 | $45,329 | $29,311 | 0.65 |
 University of South AlabamaMobile | $9,676 | $31,630 | $41,326 | $29,625 | 0.94 |
 Auburn University at MontgomeryMontgomery | $9,436 | $30,694 | — | $31,500 | 1.03 |
| National Median | — | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
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.