Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Earlham College

Earlham's interdisciplinary studies program shows estimated first-year earnings around $40,600—right at the state median but slightly above the national benchmark of $38,700. Based on comparable programs in Indiana, graduates typically earn enough to manage the estimated $25,900 in debt, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64. That's reasonable compared to many bachelor's programs, though it means dedicating more than half a year's early-career salary to student loans.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is the wide range of outcomes. While some Indiana programs like Purdue Global report substantially higher earnings (over $57,000), others fall considerably lower. The field's breadth—combining multiple disciplines rather than specializing—can either position graduates as versatile generalists or leave them competing against more focused candidates. For a private college like Earlham with a $1,250 SAT average, the value proposition depends heavily on what students do with the credential: graduate school, specific career pivots, or roles that prize liberal arts thinking.

At this debt level, the program works if your child has a clear plan for the degree. Without one, they're taking on moderate debt for earnings that peer programs suggest will be solidly middle-of-the-pack—not a disaster, but not a standout either. The estimated figures here underscore the importance of understanding exactly what Earlham's graduates actually do after this program, since the data can't tell you that directly.