Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Bucknell University

Bucknell's interdisciplinary studies program carries estimated debt of $25,939—roughly in line with national and state norms—but the projected first-year earnings of $43,593 raise questions about whether this path delivers the return a selective private institution should offer. Based on comparable programs across Pennsylvania, graduates might expect to earn about $13,000 more annually than the national median for this major, yet they're still starting well below what peers earn at nearby Drexel ($72,174). The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming on its own, but it's worth noting that Bucknell's 32% admission rate and 1389 average SAT suggest students who could likely access higher-earning majors or programs elsewhere.

The core challenge with interdisciplinary studies at any school is its breadth—it can mean vastly different things depending on how a student structures their coursework. What similar Pennsylvania programs suggest is that this degree often functions as a liberal arts foundation rather than professional preparation, which may explain the modest starting salary. For families paying private school tuition at an institution where only 11% of students receive Pell grants, the question becomes whether this flexibility is worth the opportunity cost of more structured, career-focused alternatives.

If your child has a clear plan for how they'll use this degree—graduate school, a specific career path where the liberal arts credential matters, or entrepreneurial work—the estimated figures become less concerning. Without that clarity, you're looking at a significant investment for earnings that peer programs suggest will barely exceed what state university graduates in the same field typically make.