Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 suggests manageable financing for this associate's degree, though the figures come with important caveats. Since Cloud County's actual graduate outcomes aren't available due to small sample sizes, we're working with national benchmarks—around $36,000 in first-year earnings and $13,000 in debt for similar multi/interdisciplinary studies programs across the country. These are broad averages that may not reflect what Kansas employers pay or what Cloud County students specifically experience.
The interdisciplinary nature of this degree cuts both ways. It provides flexibility for students still exploring career paths or planning to transfer to a four-year program, but it also lacks the clear employment pipeline that technical associate's degrees often provide. Without actual outcomes from Cloud County or peer Kansas schools, it's difficult to assess whether this program delivers the value that the national averages suggest. The 22% Pell grant rate indicates a relatively moderate-need student body, but that tells us little about where graduates actually land.
For families considering this program, the key question is purpose. If your child plans to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree, Cloud County could serve as an affordable stepping stone. If employment with just the associate's is the goal, you'll want to verify directly with the college what jobs their interdisciplinary studies graduates actually secure and at what starting pay—information the suppressed data unfortunately can't provide.
Where Cloud County Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,180 | $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 Cloud County Community College, approximately 22% 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.