Analysis
Columbia College Chicago's interdisciplinary studies program shows troubling outcomes, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. At $25,999 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $9,000 less than the Illinois median and rank in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable programs produce better earnings. While earnings do grow substantially (48% over four years), the fourth-year figure of $38,547 only barely catches up to what typical graduates from similar programs earn immediately.
The debt burden of $27,000 is close to typical, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio just above 1.0. That's manageable if earnings were stronger, but starting at $26,000 means these loans will take longer to pay down than at better-performing programs. For context, Eastern Illinois University's interdisciplinary graduates earn nearly double ($50,862) with similar debt loads. Even Roosevelt University, another Chicago institution, produces first-year earnings 22% higher.
If your child is set on interdisciplinary studies in Illinois, understand that this program significantly underperforms state and national peers. The 48% earnings growth suggests career momentum eventually develops, but the low starting point creates years of financial struggle. With an admission rate above 90% and nearly half of students on Pell grants, Columbia serves students who may have limited alternatives—but that doesn't make this particular program a sound investment compared to other Illinois options.
Where Columbia College Chicago Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia College Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College Chicago | $25,999 | $38,547 | +48% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Eastern Illinois University | $50,862 | $53,724 | +6% |
| National Louis University | $38,765 | $42,929 | +11% |
| Roosevelt University | $31,806 | $38,422 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Columbia College ChicagoChicago | $32,520 | $25,999 | $38,547 | $27,000 | 1.04 |
 Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston | $13,403 | $50,862 | $53,724 | $22,033 | 0.43 |
 National Louis UniversityChicago | $12,345 | $38,765 | $42,929 | $28,202 | 0.73 |
 Roosevelt UniversityChicago | $20,280 | $31,806 | $38,422 | $28,474 | 0.90 |
| National Median | — | $38,704 | — | $25,495 | 0.66 |
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 Chicago, approximately 43% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.