Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University's Interdisciplinary Studies program presents a paradox: it performs at the state median for earnings but carries debt levels that rank among the worst 5% nationally. That $37,568 in debt overshadows first-year earnings of $31,291, creating a debt burden 20% higher than what graduates initially earn—a worrying imbalance that suggests students may struggle with loan payments in those critical early years.

The earnings picture offers little reassurance. At roughly $31,000 annually, graduates earn about $4,000 less than the national median for this degree, placing them in just the 21st percentile nationally. While matching Oregon's median suggests the state's job market may simply pay less for generalist degrees, the debt load remains disproportionate even by state standards—$7,000 above what typical Oregon graduates in this field carry. Given the school's 99% admission rate and that over a third of students receive Pell grants, many families here are likely counting on reasonable debt levels to make college work financially.

The math is straightforward but concerning: graduates face above-average debt while earning below-average wages. For families considering this program, the question becomes whether the flexibility of an interdisciplinary degree justifies taking on significantly more debt than peers at other Oregon schools who end up earning similar amounts.