Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan's interdisciplinary studies program sits in an interesting middle ground—it trails the national median by about $2,800 in first-year earnings, yet outperforms most Michigan schools offering this degree. With graduates earning $35,886 initially and jumping to $44,389 by year four, this represents solid 24% growth that suggests the degree opens doors beyond entry-level positions. Among Michigan's 18 programs, ranking in the 60th percentile means you're doing better than average in-state, though you're still paying more than half what University of Michigan grads earn down the road.

The debt picture is actually a strength here. At $31,125, graduates carry significantly less than the national median, placing this in just the 5th percentile for debt nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 is manageable, roughly equivalent to owing less than a year's salary. For context, many interdisciplinary programs struggle with both low earnings and high debt; Eastern Michigan avoids that trap.

The caveat is where you're starting: $35,886 isn't poverty wages, but it's modest for a bachelor's degree, especially in Michigan's economy. The strong earnings trajectory matters, but your child will need to stick it out through those early years. If they're choosing interdisciplinary studies for its flexibility and genuine interest in combining fields—rather than as an undecided fallback—the reasonable debt load and decent growth potential make this a workable investment.