Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at California Baptist University

California Baptist's interdisciplinary studies program carries an estimated $22,875 in debt—higher than the state median of $17,264 for similar programs—while estimated first-year earnings of around $40,400 align closely with what comparable California programs typically produce. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates would likely devote about half their first year's salary to loans if they borrowed the median amount. However, it's worth noting that interdisciplinary studies programs in California show enormous earnings variation, from $35,400 to over $100,000 at programs like University of the Pacific, suggesting that program focus and student career choices matter more than the credential itself.

The challenge with interdisciplinary degrees is their breadth—they can open multiple doors or leave graduates without a clear professional identity. With 41% of CBU students receiving Pell grants, the higher-than-typical debt load deserves attention, especially since these estimated figures are drawn from peer programs rather than CBU's actual graduate outcomes. If your student is treating this as a flexible path to graduate school or has a specific career plan that values the degree's customizability, the numbers work. If they're choosing it because they're undecided, comparable investment in a more defined major at a CSU might produce clearer returns with less debt.