Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at College of the Atlantic

College of the Atlantic graduates leave with $25,475 in debt to pursue $23,003 starting salaries—essentially borrowing more than they'll earn in their first year. While that 1.11 debt-to-earnings ratio sits just above the concerning threshold, the bigger issue is that these graduates earn $12,000 less annually than the national median for interdisciplinary studies programs. Ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally means 95% of similar programs produce better financial outcomes.

The state context offers little comfort despite this program's 60th percentile ranking in Maine. With only four schools offering this major statewide, Maine's median matches College of the Atlantic's exactly—suggesting the entire state struggles to generate strong returns for interdisciplinary studies graduates. The modest 10% earnings growth to $25,236 by year four won't meaningfully change the financial picture for most families.

For parents considering a $25,000 investment (and likely four years of additional living expenses in Bar Harbor), this program presents real financial risk. Unless your child has clear post-graduation plans that leverage this specific institution's unique approach—like environmental nonprofit work where mission matters more than salary—the numbers suggest looking at interdisciplinary programs elsewhere that better balance cost with earning potential.