Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at CUNY Queens College

Queens College's interdisciplinary bachelor's degree appears positioned right at the state median, with comparable programs in New York suggesting first-year earnings around $40,200. With an estimated debt load near $26,000, graduates would carry roughly 65% of their first-year salary in loans—a manageable ratio that most financial advisors consider reasonable. However, these figures deserve scrutiny: they're derived from just four similar programs statewide and national peer data, not actual outcomes from Queens College graduates in this major.

The interdisciplinary studies field itself presents a challenge for outcome analysis. These programs vary dramatically in focus—some emphasize education pathways, others workforce training, still others function as completion degrees for transfer students. That $40,200 estimate lands you at the 75th percentile nationally for this credential, which sounds encouraging until you recognize it reflects New York's higher cost of living more than program quality. Marist's interdisciplinary graduates earn 44% more in their first year, though at presumably higher tuition costs.

For a CUNY school serving nearly half its students on Pell grants, the real question is return on investment for your specific child's career path. If this degree serves as a credential for a job already lined up or a stepping stone to graduate school, the moderate debt burden makes sense. If it's exploratory education without a clear professional direction, the vague career outcomes typical of interdisciplinary programs become a serious concern, especially when the data itself is this uncertain.