Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 makes this associate's degree look manageable on paper—but the numbers here come from national peer programs, not Central Wyoming College's actual outcomes. With only two schools offering interdisciplinary studies associates in Wyoming and neither reporting data, we're working with broad national estimates that may not reflect local labor market realities.
The estimated $35,979 first-year salary and $13,012 debt load mirror national medians almost exactly, suggesting a typical pattern: interdisciplinary degrees cast a wide net academically but often lead to general entry-level work rather than specialized careers. In Wyoming's economy—dominated by energy, ranching, and tourism—that flexibility could be an asset or a limitation depending on what your student builds around this degree. The credential alone won't likely command premium wages, but it could serve as a foundation for further education or provide basic qualifications for administrative, service, or public-sector roles.
The real question is why this path versus something more targeted. If your student needs flexibility to transfer credits later or is still exploring options, an interdisciplinary associate's can make sense as a low-cost stepping stone. But if they're treating it as a terminal degree expecting clear career pathways, the generic nature of the credential—combined with our lack of specific outcome data—should prompt serious conversations about next steps before enrollment.
Where Central Wyoming College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,680 | $35,979* | — | $13,012* | — | |
| $5,715 | $59,456* | $57,364 | —* | — | |
| $6,638 | $58,827* | $80,459 | $11,312* | 0.19 | |
| $4,448 | $51,330* | $52,881 | —* | — | |
| $4,706 | $48,307* | $50,784 | $13,077* | 0.27 | |
| $5,044 | $45,236* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $35,979* | — | $13,023* | 0.36 |
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 Central Wyoming College, approximately 18% 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 national median of 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.