Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at California State University-San Bernardino

A bachelor's in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from Cal State San Bernardino carries an estimated $15,862 in debt—well below both the national median ($25,495) and California average ($17,264) for this degree. That's the program's strongest selling point. The moderate debt load, combined with the university's 98% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment (57%), suggests this is designed as an accessible pathway for first-generation and working-class students to complete a bachelor's degree.

The challenge lies in the earning potential. Similar programs across California suggest first-year earnings around $40,400, which tracks closely with the national median but lags far behind California's higher cost of living. More concerning is the range: top interdisciplinary programs in the state produce graduates earning $45,000 to even $104,000, though that top figure from University of the Pacific is clearly an outlier. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is manageable on paper, but in Southern California's expensive housing market, a $40,000 starting salary will stretch thin.

The practical question is what this interdisciplinary degree leads to. Without a clear professional pathway—unlike teaching or engineering—outcomes depend heavily on what students pair with the degree: internships, specific skill development, or a double major. For a student who needs flexibility to finish college while working, this program offers a low-debt option. For one seeking strong earnings right out of college, the estimated figures suggest looking either at more specialized programs or understanding this as a stepping stone to graduate school.