Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 looks manageable on paper, but the fundamentals here deserve scrutiny. National data from similar interdisciplinary bachelor's programs suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—a figure that leaves little financial breathing room for anyone carrying $26,000 in debt. This is an online program serving primarily working adults (reflected in the 93% admission rate and modest Pell grant enrollment), which means many students may already have income streams. But if your child is using this as a first bachelor's degree straight out of high school, those estimated earnings represent a tight financial start.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is that they're inherently broad, which can make career positioning unclear to employers. Peer programs nationally cluster tightly around these median figures, suggesting limited upside even at strong schools. Without reported outcomes specific to Colorado State Global—and with only four similar programs statewide to compare against—you're making a decision with significant uncertainty about whether this particular online format delivers better or worse than the national baseline.
If your child has a clear plan for how this degree connects to specific career goals, the numbers could work. But as a general-purpose credential with estimated earnings barely above $35,000, this represents a bet that other factors—work experience, networking, or graduate school—will provide the differentiation the degree itself may not.
Where Colorado State University Global Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Colorado State University GlobalDenver | $8,400 | $35,282* | — | $25,996* | — |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $74,734* | $78,295 | $24,960* | 0.33 |
 Hodges UniversityFort Myers | $15,580 | $60,897* | $39,309 | —* | — |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $60,513* | — | —* | — |
 Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie | $46,140 | $57,906* | $58,631 | $31,142* | 0.54 |
 Park UniversityParkville | $16,400 | $50,454* | — | $23,369* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $35,282* | — | $26,000* | 0.74 |
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 Colorado State University Global, approximately 24% 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 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.