Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at California State University-Los Angeles

A bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cal State LA appears to hit right at the state median for this field—similar programs across California suggest first-year earnings around $40,400, with debt around $15,900. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, particularly compared to the national picture where typical debt loads for this major run over $25,000. For a campus serving predominantly working-class students (66% receive Pell grants), keeping borrowing nearly $10,000 below the national median matters.

The challenge is what interdisciplinary studies programs represent: they're often completion pathways for students with diverse credits rather than focused career preparation. The earnings spread among California programs is dramatic—ranging from $35,000 to over $100,000—suggesting outcomes depend heavily on what students do with the degree. At Cal State LA, peer programs point to earnings that modestly exceed the national median but fall well short of what some UC campuses achieve with this credential.

For families weighing this investment, the low debt burden is the strongest argument in favor. But interdisciplinary studies graduates need a clear plan for translating this flexible degree into employment, whether that means targeting specific industries, pursuing graduate school, or leveraging the credential for career advancement in an existing field. Without that strategy, you're banking on results that comparable programs suggest will be adequate but unlikely to stand out.