Analysis
Sacramento State's interdisciplinary bachelor's degree appears positioned right at California's median for the field, with comparable programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $40,400. By year four, graduates at this specific campus reach $53,600—a meaningful jump that indicates strong mid-term growth potential. The estimated $15,900 in debt sits well below both state and national averages for this degree, translating to a manageable 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio.
The wide range among California's interdisciplinary programs—from $35,400 to over $100,000 at University of the Pacific—reflects how much these flexible degrees depend on individual career paths and specializations. Sacramento State serves a largely local, working-class student body (half receive Pell grants), and the four-year earnings figure suggests graduates are successfully leveraging the degree for regional employment. The relatively low debt burden matters significantly here, keeping financial risk contained even if starting salaries feel modest.
For families weighing this investment, the key consideration is whether your student has a clear plan for applying this flexible credential. The actual four-year earnings data shows it can work well at Sacramento State, but those early estimates suggest patience may be required initially. The light debt load provides breathing room to find the right career fit without crushing monthly payments.
Where California State University-Sacramento Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Sacramento | — | $53,594 | — |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $45,461 | $76,643 | +69% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $46,154 | $65,593 | +42% |
| University of California-Irvine | $35,404 | $51,708 | +46% |
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-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $40,433* | $53,594 | $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-Sacramento, approximately 49% 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.