Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Belmont University

Belmont's interdisciplinary studies program lands right in the middle of Tennessee offerings but carries a concerning debt load that undermines its otherwise solid performance. While first-year earnings of $37,264 match the state median almost exactly, graduates end up borrowing significantly less than the state average ($20,500 vs. $23,250), which is good news. However, that debt still ranks in the 80th percentile nationally—meaning 80% of similar programs nationwide leave students with less debt. For a program at a school with a 96% admission rate, that's a red flag.

The silver lining is the trajectory: earnings jump 27% by year four to $47,428, which actually surpasses several flagship state programs that start higher. This suggests the broad skill set pays dividends as graduates find their footing in the workforce. Still, you're paying private school prices (albeit with reasonable debt) for outcomes that roughly match what you'd get at Middle Tennessee State, which serves a more economically diverse student body.

The math works if your child values Belmont's Nashville location and campus experience enough to justify the premium. But if cost is a primary concern, MTSU delivers comparable earnings with likely lower sticker prices. The program isn't a bad choice—it's just not an obvious financial winner compared to in-state alternatives.