Analysis
Similar programs in California suggest this interdisciplinary bachelor's degree leads to first-year earnings around $40,400—essentially matching the state median for this field but trailing far behind what top California schools achieve. The University of the Pacific's interdisciplinary graduates earn more than double this estimate, while even UC Irvine produces outcomes 12% lower, suggesting wide variation in how these degrees translate to the job market.
The estimated $22,875 in debt sits above California's typical $17,264 for comparable programs, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 remains manageable by traditional standards. The challenge is less about loan burden and more about trajectory: interdisciplinary studies programs nationally produce median earnings of just $38,700, suggesting limited salary growth potential compared to more specialized degrees. For a private university tuition price, peer programs indicate you're looking at middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a field where exceptional programs exist in the same state.
The real question is what "interdisciplinary studies" means for career prospects. These programs often serve as degree-completion pathways or foundations for graduate school rather than direct career launchers. If your student has a clear plan for leveraging the flexibility this degree offers—whether that's law school, education credentials, or a specific career path they've researched—the numbers become more defensible. Without that plan, you're paying private school prices for outcomes that peer programs suggest won't differentiate them in California's competitive job market.
Where Azusa Pacific University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa | $43,600 | $40,433* | — | $22,875* | — |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803* | $165,593 | $15,500* | 0.15 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $46,154* | $65,593 | $15,000* | 0.32 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $45,490* | $38,755 | $18,196* | 0.40 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $45,461* | $76,643 | $14,500* | 0.32 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $35,404* | $51,708 | $16,332* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495* | 0.66 |
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 Azusa Pacific University, approximately 35% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.