Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Century College

A first-year salary near $36,000—typical for associate-level interdisciplinary studies programs nationally—paired with estimated debt of $21,175 creates a manageable but underwhelming starting point. That debt figure, derived from peer programs at Minnesota community and technical colleges, sits well above the national median of $13,023 for this field. The nearly 60% debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it means a graduate earning roughly $3,000 monthly before taxes will be carrying debt equivalent to seven months of gross income. For a two-year degree, that's heavier than it should be.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is they're often stepping stones—students use them to transfer to bachelor's programs or to satisfy basic requirements while figuring out a direction. If that's the plan here, this debt load becomes more concerning since it's just the beginning. If your child plans to enter the workforce immediately, peer programs suggest earnings that grow slowly in jobs that don't necessarily require this specific credential. With a third of Century's students receiving Pell grants, many families are already stretched thin.

The bottom line: borrowed at estimated levels, this program creates a starter debt burden for starter wages. If your child needs the flexibility of an interdisciplinary degree and plans to work while continuing education, it could serve that purpose—but minimizing loans should be priority one.