Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at California State University-Monterey Bay

A $16,000 debt load is remarkably manageable, especially when similar interdisciplinary bachelor's programs in California produce first-year earnings around $40,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary—well below the threshold that typically causes financial strain. For families worried about their student taking on crushing debt, this program appears to keep borrowing in check.

The earnings picture based on comparable California programs is more complex. While $40,000 aligns with the state median for interdisciplinary studies, it trails what some other California schools achieve—UCLA and UC Berkeley graduates in similar programs earn closer to $45,000-$46,000 in their first year. That said, interdisciplinary studies is inherently broad, and outcomes depend heavily on which disciplines students combine and what career path they pursue. The program serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (43%), suggesting it may be meeting an access need for students who wouldn't otherwise pursue a bachelor's degree.

The key question is whether your student has a clear plan for how to leverage an interdisciplinary degree. The low debt makes this a relatively low-risk credential financially, but the modest earnings estimates suggest students need to be intentional about their course selections and career preparation. If they're using this degree to build a customized skill set for a specific goal, the numbers work. If they're undecided about direction, that $40,000 starting point may feel limiting.