Analysis
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies programs at Colorado State University Pueblo come with estimated costs and returns that mirror national patterns, but that's where the reassurance ends. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationwide, graduates typically start around $35,000—which means carrying nearly $26,000 in debt into a job market where that first paycheck barely covers monthly obligations. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 isn't catastrophic, but it's hardly comfortable when you're looking at roughly nine months of gross income needed just to pay off loans.
The open-admission policy and modest test scores suggest this university serves students who may have limited options, which makes the value equation more complex. For students using interdisciplinary studies as a pathway to graduate school or a specific career where the broad skills matter, the investment might make sense. But if your child is choosing this major without a clear next step, you're essentially paying for flexibility without the earnings boost that typically justifies debt. Similar programs produce similar outcomes—modest starting salaries that take time to grow.
The fundamental question is whether a generalist degree from this particular institution opens doors that justify $26,000 in debt. Without reported outcomes specific to CSU Pueblo, you're betting on national averages holding true locally. Given Pueblo's smaller job market and the program's inherent lack of specialization, that's a bet that requires either a strong network, a graduate school plan, or realistic expectations about starting wages.
Where Colorado State University Pueblo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,401 | $35,282* | — | $25,996* | — | |
| $62,180 | $74,734* | $78,295 | $24,960* | 0.33 | |
| $15,580 | $60,897* | $39,309 | —* | — | |
| $8,179 | $60,513* | — | —* | — | |
| $46,140 | $57,906* | $58,631 | $31,142* | 0.54 | |
| $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 Pueblo, approximately 28% 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.