Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Bard College at Simon's Rock

A bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies typically launches graduates with modest earnings—national benchmarks hover around $35,000 that first year—and Simon's Rock appears to align with that pattern. With estimated debt of $26,500 against those earnings, the math works out to about nine months of gross income to cover the borrowing, which falls within manageable territory. However, Massachusetts programs in this field often outperform the national average by $4,000 or more, so if Simon's Rock's actual outcomes trail the state norm, that gap matters for students considering peer options like Fitchburg State, where graduates earn close to $40,000.

The bigger question is whether interdisciplinary studies positions graduates for growth beyond that modest starting point. These programs can be launching pads for graduate school or careers where the degree checks a box but doesn't dictate the path. If your child has a clear plan—say, law school, public service, or a creative field where connections and internships matter more than major—the flexibility might be valuable. But if they're hoping the degree itself will open doors to higher-paying work right away, peer programs suggest that's unlikely without additional credentials or strategic networking.

Given the estimation uncertainty and the near-open admission rate, visit campus and ask hard questions about career outcomes: Where do graduates land? What percentage pursue advanced degrees? Without actual placement data, you're betting on your child's resourcefulness as much as the program itself.