Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Concord University

Looking at comparable interdisciplinary programs nationally, this degree path presents a challenging financial equation. The estimated $38,700 first-year earnings aligns with the national median for these programs, but that's roughly $8,000 above what similar programs in West Virginia typically produce. Given Concord's open-admission model and the fact that nearly half of students receive Pell grants, those state-level outcomes may be a more realistic reference point than national figures.

The estimated $25,400 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66—manageable on paper, but that calculation assumes the higher national earnings estimate holds true. If graduates instead earn closer to West Virginia's typical $30,000 for these programs, the debt burden becomes considerably heavier. Interdisciplinary studies programs often function as "design your own major" pathways, which can be valuable for students with specific career goals but sometimes leave graduates without the clear credentialing that employers seek.

For an anxious parent, here's the reality: you're looking at estimates built from other programs because this specific degree produces too few graduates to generate reliable data. That scarcity itself raises questions about institutional investment and career pathways. Before committing, your child needs a concrete answer about what this interdisciplinary degree is preparing them to do—and whether that specific career justifies borrowing $25,000 when the state's job market for these credentials appears limited.