Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Binghamton University

Binghamton's interdisciplinary studies program starts with surprisingly low first-year earnings—just $26,700, well below both the state median of $32,652 and the national median of $38,704. However, that's only part of the story. By year four, graduates see dramatic growth to $64,005, vaulting past every other interdisciplinary program in New York, including Empire State's $41,424. This 140% earnings jump suggests graduates may be using the degree as a stepping stone into careers that require time to establish, whether through graduate school, credential-building, or entry-level positions that lead somewhere meaningful.

The debt picture is reasonable at $21,667—lower than both state and national medians for this program. That first year where debt nearly matches earnings (0.81 ratio) looks uncomfortable on paper, but given where graduates land by year four, it's a manageable burden if your child can weather the initial career-building period. The key question is whether they have financial support to cover that lean first year or two.

This program's value depends entirely on your child's post-graduation plan. If they're heading to graduate school or pursuing careers with delayed payoffs, the trajectory here is excellent. But if they need immediate earnings after graduation, that $26,700 first-year figure is a real constraint. Understand what comes next before committing.