Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Associate's Degree
bluegrass.kctcs.eduAnalysis
Bluegrass Community and Technical College's interdisciplinary studies program delivers exceptional earnings relative to similar associate's degrees nationwide—graduates earn 34% more than the national median for this field. At $48,307 in the first year, this substantially outpaces what most community college graduates in generalist programs can expect. The debt load of about $13,000 translates to just three months of earnings, making this one of the more accessible pathways to solid middle-income work.
However, Kentucky context matters here. While this program ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile within Kentucky, where several other community colleges offer interdisciplinary programs with similar or slightly lower earnings. You're still getting above-median outcomes for the state, but Jefferson and Maysville CTCs edge ahead by about $6,000 annually. The 5% earnings growth over four years suggests steady but not dramatic career progression—these graduates appear to find stable employment rather than rapidly advancing roles.
For families prioritizing affordability and job security over maximizing earnings potential, this represents a sound investment. The low debt burden means graduates won't spend years digging out financially, and first-year earnings comfortably support loan repayment. If your student is undecided on a specific career path or needs flexibility to work while studying, this program opens doors without closing off options later.
Where Bluegrass Community and Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $48,307 | $50,784 | +5% |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | $39,918 | $41,307 | +3% |
| Ashland Community and Technical College | $29,638 | $35,690 | +20% |
| Maysville Community and Technical College | $42,718 | $29,597 | -31% |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | $42,549 | $29,085 | -32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,706 | $48,307 | $50,784 | $13,077 | 0.27 | |
| $4,656 | $42,718 | $29,597 | $14,078 | 0.33 | |
| $4,706 | $42,549 | $29,085 | $15,503 | 0.36 | |
| $4,656 | $39,918 | $41,307 | $10,000 | 0.25 | |
| $4,656 | $31,643 | $25,058 | $13,023 | 0.41 | |
| $4,656 | $29,638 | $35,690 | $12,719 | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $35,979 | — | $13,023 | 0.36 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bluegrass Community and Technical College, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.