Analysis
Similar interdisciplinary studies programs in California suggest graduates earn around $40,400 in their first year—a figure that actually edges above the national median for these bachelor's degrees. Combined with an estimated $15,900 in debt (well below both state and national benchmarks), the financial picture looks manageable on paper. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates would theoretically owe less than five months' salary, which is reasonable for a four-year degree.
However, the wide variation among California's interdisciplinary programs should give you pause. Top performers like UC-Berkeley and UCLA report earnings above $45,000, while CSU-Bakersfield's estimated outcomes cluster near the state median. The challenge with interdisciplinary degrees is their flexibility cuts both ways—career paths vary dramatically depending on how students combine their coursework and what connections they make. For a student body where 61% receive Pell grants, that first-year earning potential matters significantly for managing loan repayment.
The key question is what specific interdisciplinary combination your student is pursuing and whether they have a clear career direction. These estimates suggest the program won't burden them with crushing debt, but the earnings ceiling appears modest compared to more specialized degrees. If your student has identified how their coursework translates to employment—whether that's nonprofits, education, business, or graduate school preparation—the financial risk seems limited.
Where California State University-Bakersfield Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University-BakersfieldBakersfield | $7,696 | $40,433* | — | $15,862* | — |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803* | $165,593 | $15,500* | 0.15 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $46,154* | $65,593 | $15,000* | 0.32 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $45,490* | $38,755 | $18,196* | 0.40 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $45,461* | $76,643 | $14,500* | 0.32 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $35,404* | $51,708 | $16,332* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495* | 0.66 |
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 California State University-Bakersfield, approximately 61% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.