Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Central Methodist's interdisciplinary studies program sits right at Missouri's median for debt ($27,000) but falls short on earnings—graduating students earn about $1,000 less than the state median and roughly $6,200 below the national benchmark. More troubling is what happens after graduation: earnings drop 14% from year one to year four, falling to just $27,864. That backward trajectory puts this program in the 22nd percentile nationally, meaning nearly 80% of similar programs produce better outcomes. Even within Missouri, where this ranks at the 40th percentile, students at Lindenwood or Missouri Western typically earn $7,000-$9,000 more just four years out.

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset—demands caution. These numbers might not reflect the typical graduate's experience, particularly given the unusual earnings decline. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83, graduates need nearly their entire first-year salary to cover what they borrowed. For families weighing this option, understand that you're looking at below-average returns both statewide and nationally, with debt levels that match the state median despite much lower earnings. If your student is considering an interdisciplinary path in Missouri, the data suggests looking at alternatives with more stable earnings trajectories.