Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program graduates earn just $28,195 in their first year—about $10,500 below the national median for this degree. That places it in the bottom 5% nationally, a concerning gap that suggests significant earning struggles right out of college. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, but the earnings challenge is hard to ignore.

Here's the puzzle: despite ranking near the bottom nationally, this program sits at the 60th percentile among Kentucky's interdisciplinary programs. That doesn't mean it's a good deal—it means Kentucky's interdisciplinary programs generally underperform. With $25,495 in median debt (right at the national average for this degree), graduates face a debt load nearly equal to their entire first year of earnings. At this income level, loan payments will eat up a substantial portion of take-home pay.

The real issue isn't just the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90—it's the absolute dollar amount. Living on $28,000 annually while managing student loan payments leaves very little cushion for emergencies or saving. For families considering this program, understand that you're looking at below-poverty-level wages in the first year out of school, regardless of how it compares to other Kentucky options. Unless there's a clear career path that justifies this start, the financial foundation here looks shaky.