Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at California State University-Long Beach

The $15,862 debt estimate for this bachelor's degree—derived from similar CSU programs—comes in well below both the California and national medians for interdisciplinary studies, which should ease concerns about borrowing costs. First-year earnings estimates based on comparable California programs suggest around $40,400, positioning this program right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $38,700. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 indicates manageable repayment: graduates would owe less than 40% of their first year's salary, a reasonable starting point for a broad-based degree.

What matters here is recognizing that interdisciplinary studies programs vary enormously in outcomes—from over $100,000 at University of the Pacific to the mid-$30,000 range at other UCs. The estimates place Cal State Long Beach squarely in the middle, which reflects both the practical focus of CSU campuses and the flexibility these degrees offer. With nearly half the student body receiving Pell grants, the relatively modest debt load is particularly important for families watching every dollar.

The key question is whether your student has a clear plan for applying this interdisciplinary degree—these programs work best when students use them strategically to combine skills employers value. Given the moderate debt and earnings that track with state norms, this becomes a viable option if paired with internships, relevant coursework, and a focused job search strategy after graduation.