Analysis
Eastern Illinois University's interdisciplinary studies program punches well above its weight class. Graduates earn a median of $50,862 right out of college—that's $15,000 more than the typical Illinois graduate in this field and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. Nationally, it outperforms 91% of similar programs, which is remarkable for a school with a 68% admission rate and accessible to students from modest backgrounds.
The debt picture reinforces the value. At $22,033, graduates borrow about $5,500 less than the Illinois median for this major, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.43. That means students can realistically pay off their loans in under a year of focused repayment—among the better scenarios in higher education. Four-year earnings of $53,724 show steady if modest growth, suggesting stable career trajectories rather than dramatic upward mobility.
For parents weighing Illinois options, this program delivers substantially better outcomes than state competitors. The $15,000 earnings premium over the state median translates to real financial security, while the below-average debt load makes it a safer bet than most alternatives. If your student is interested in an interdisciplinary approach and can thrive at a mid-tier university, Eastern Illinois offers strong return on investment without requiring elite credentials for admission.
Where Eastern Illinois University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Illinois University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Illinois University | $50,862 | $53,724 | +6% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| National Louis University | $38,765 | $42,929 | +11% |
| Columbia College Chicago | $25,999 | $38,547 | +48% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
 Columbia College ChicagoChicago | $32,520 | $25,999 | $38,547 | $27,000 | 1.04 |
| 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 Eastern Illinois University, approximately 31% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.