Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Cal Poly Humboldt's interdisciplinary studies graduates face an unusual trajectory: strong first-year earnings of $45,490—above both state and national medians—followed by a troubling 15% drop to $38,755 by year four. Among California's 50 programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile, respectable but hardly exceptional. More concerning is the backward momentum when most graduates should be gaining traction in their careers.

The debt picture offers genuine relief. At $18,196, borrowers here carry roughly 30% less than the national median for this degree, giving graduates breathing room with a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio. For a school serving nearly half its students on Pell grants, this responsible debt load matters. However, that advantage diminishes as earnings slide in subsequent years, potentially limiting career advancement or forcing graduates into roles that don't leverage their education.

The underlying question is what drives earnings backward while peers at similar California programs typically see growth. For an interdisciplinary program—already challenging to market to employers—this pattern suggests graduates may struggle to translate their degree into stable career paths. If your child has clear professional goals that this flexible program serves, it could work with the manageable debt. But without that clarity, the declining earnings trend should prompt serious questions about post-graduation support and career outcomes.