Analysis
The four-year earnings figure tells the real story here: graduates from similar Ohio programs start around $38,000 but typically reach $57,000 by year four. That's a meaningful 50% jump that suggests these interdisciplinary degrees, while slow starters, build toward solid mid-career outcomes. The estimated $25,878 in debt sits right at the national median for these programs, producing a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the concerning threshold of 1.0.
What's harder to assess is whether Baldwin Wallace's specific program follows this trajectory. The first-year estimate comes from nine comparable Ohio programs, including stronger performers like Miami University and the University of Cincinnati campuses that report earnings in the low-to-mid $40,000s. If Baldwin Wallace's outcomes lean toward the higher end of that range, the value proposition improves considerably; if they track below state averages, that four-year figure becomes less certain.
The practical takeaway: interdisciplinary studies programs work best when they're strategically designed around career goals rather than academic exploration alone. Before committing, get specifics from Baldwin Wallace about internship placements, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed jobs. The debt load is reasonable, but only if the program delivers on that four-year earnings growth similar programs show.
Where Baldwin Wallace University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin Wallace University | — | $57,467 | — |
| University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College | $44,438 | $51,456 | +16% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $44,438 | $51,456 | +16% |
| University of Cincinnati-Clermont College | $44,438 | $51,456 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $36,725 | $44,842 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,938 | $38,266* | $57,467 | $25,878* | — | |
| $13,570 | $44,438* | $51,456 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $6,554 | $44,438* | $51,456 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $6,992 | $44,438* | $51,456 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $17,809 | $39,484* | $42,994 | —* | — | |
| $41,788 | $38,266* | $36,237 | $33,544* | 0.88 | |
| 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 Baldwin Wallace University, approximately 28% 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 9 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.