Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Baylor University

Baylor's interdisciplinary studies program lands graduates in a surprisingly modest earnings position for a private university charging private tuition. At $30,687 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $13,000 less than the national median for this degree, placing them in just the 17th percentile nationally. The silver lining? Within Texas, they actually outperform most peer programs (60th percentile), though that's partly because in-state public options tend to dominate this field at lower price points.

The $27,000 debt load becomes concerning when you consider it nearly equals a full year's starting salary—leaving graduates with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88. While this isn't catastrophic compared to some programs, it's tight for someone earning roughly $30,000 annually, especially at a school where only 13% of students receive Pell grants (suggesting many families are stretching to afford the investment). Students often choose interdisciplinary studies for flexibility, but that flexibility appears to come with significant income tradeoffs here.

For families considering this path at Baylor, the calculation hinges on whether the university's network and resources justify the debt relative to in-state alternatives. Texas public universities likely offer similar or better outcomes at substantially lower cost. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to pursue this specific program at Baylor—strong faculty mentorship, particular career connections, or the value of the Baylor credential in your region—the financial math suggests looking elsewhere.