Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Carson-Newman University

A $25,878 debt load for a credential that peers in Tennessee suggest will earn around $37,000 in the first year puts Carson-Newman's interdisciplinary studies program roughly in line with state norms—but that alignment masks a fundamental challenge with this degree path. While the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio appears manageable on paper, comparable programs across Tennessee consistently produce first-year earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000s, making this one of the lower-earning bachelor's degrees available. Even top-tier programs like Vanderbilt and Belmont cluster in the same narrow earnings band, suggesting the ceiling for this major is constrained regardless of institutional prestige.

The practical reality: your child would face monthly loan payments around $290 on income that's barely above what many skilled trades offer without four years of college. Interdisciplinary studies programs—by design broad rather than specialized—often lack the clear professional pathway that helps graduates command higher starting salaries. The estimated figures here come from peer programs because Carson-Newman's graduate cohort is too small to report separately, which adds uncertainty but doesn't fundamentally change the value calculation. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, many families at Carson-Newman are stretching financially for this degree.

If your child has a specific career goal that requires a bachelor's credential but values flexibility in coursework, this could make sense. Otherwise, the numbers suggest exploring either more focused majors at Carson-Newman or programs at Tennessee publics where lower tuition might reduce that debt load substantially.