Analysis
A bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies doesn't offer much flexibility when it comes to earnings—at least not based on what similar Louisiana programs produce. The estimated $35,000 first-year salary tracks exactly with the state median for these programs, which itself falls about $3,700 below the national benchmark. That's not terrible, but it's hardly compelling for a degree that costs nearly $26,000 in estimated debt.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first-year income. For context, similar bachelor's programs nationally carry about $25,500 in debt, so Centenary's estimated borrowing aligns with broader patterns. The challenge isn't excessive debt—it's that interdisciplinary studies programs across Louisiana seem to struggle with earnings outcomes. Even Northwestern State's program, the strongest performer in the state with reported data, shows graduates earning $53,000—a significant premium over what most programs deliver.
Your child could potentially fare better or worse than these estimates suggest, but the peer program data doesn't point toward this credential as a particularly strong investment. If they're drawn to interdisciplinary work, push them to articulate how they'll translate that into marketable skills, and compare the cost here against Louisiana public options where the value proposition might stretch further.
Where Centenary College of Louisiana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Centenary College of LouisianaShreveport | $40,000 | $35,026* | — | $25,878* | — |
 Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches | $8,864 | $53,442* | — | $31,000* | 0.58 |
 Southern University Law CenterBaton Rouge | — | $37,855* | — | —* | — |
 Southern University and A & M CollegeBaton Rouge | $9,940 | $37,855* | $30,886 | $43,250* | 1.14 |
 Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans | $65,538 | $35,755* | $39,757 | $19,250* | 0.54 |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $34,296* | $41,336 | $24,646* | 0.72 |
| 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 Centenary College of Louisiana, approximately 39% 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 LA. Actual outcomes may vary.