Analysis
Is a multidisciplinary bachelor's degree worth $26,500 in debt when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000? That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory—monthly loan payments would claim roughly 8-9% of take-home pay. However, this picture looks considerably rosier than what similar programs in South Carolina actually deliver. The one SC school with reported outcomes shows graduates earning just $21,574, nearly $14,000 below the national figure being used here as a proxy.
This gap matters because multidisciplinary studies programs vary enormously in focus and career preparation. The national median includes everything from design-focused programs at urban universities to education-adjacent degrees at regional schools. Columbia College serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population in a state where these degrees haven't historically commanded strong salaries, making it more likely outcomes here trend toward the lower SC range than the national average.
The prudent assumption: expect earnings closer to South Carolina's reality than the national estimate. At $21,500 with $26,500 in debt, that ratio jumps to 1.23—a substantially tighter financial picture where loan payments could consume 13-14% of monthly income. Before committing, pin down exactly what career path this degree supports and whether Columbia College has placement data or alumni outcomes they can share directly, since the federal figures don't provide enough clarity for this specific program.
Where Columbia College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Columbia CollegeColumbia | $21,450 | $35,282* | — | $26,500* | — |
 Coker UniversityHartsville | $31,854 | $21,574* | — | $29,116* | 1.35 |
| 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 Columbia College, approximately 53% 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.