Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Bethel University

The small sample size here deserves attention, but the available data points to troubling patterns. Bethel's interdisciplinary studies graduates earn substantially less than peers at other Indiana schools—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $33,596 versus the state median of $47,054. That $13,000+ gap is significant, especially when you're carrying nearly $47,000 in debt, which exceeds what graduates at most other schools in this program are borrowing.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.40 means graduates owe more than they'll earn in their entire first year of work. While interdisciplinary studies programs nationwide tend toward modest earnings, Indiana schools typically do better—some graduates from Indiana University-East, for instance, earn over $60,000. Combined with Bethel's near-open admission standards, this program appears to lack the labor market connections or curriculum focus that helps similar programs at other state institutions deliver stronger outcomes.

For families considering this program, the numbers suggest looking closely at alternatives within Indiana. If Bethel is the choice for other compelling reasons, prospective students should plan for either minimal borrowing or a clear professional pathway that isn't reflected in this graduate data. The debt load is simply too high relative to typical early-career earnings in this field.