Analysis
An estimated $13,000 in debt for an associate's degree that peer programs suggest leads to $36,000 in first-year earnings creates a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio—but the limited data here requires acknowledging significant uncertainty. The national estimate of $35,979 sits well above what we see from Ohio programs with reported outcomes: Sinclair Community College graduates in this field start at $27,036, and the state median matches that figure. If Edison State's outcomes track closer to Ohio norms than national ones, the investment picture weakens considerably.
Interdisciplinary studies programs inherently vary in what they prepare students for, which makes these estimates particularly tricky to interpret. The career paths graduates pursue—ranging from general business roles to human services positions—can produce wildly different salary outcomes. With only 17% of Edison State students receiving Pell grants (suggesting a more affluent student body), many enrollees may be adding credentials to existing careers or pivoting fields rather than entering the workforce fresh, which could explain why this program's cohort is too small to generate reported data.
For parents considering this degree, understand that comparable programs nationwide produce the $36,000 figure, but Ohio programs with actual data show considerably lower outcomes. The debt load appears reasonable either way, but whether this program makes financial sense depends heavily on your student's specific goals and whether their career path aligns with higher-earning applications of an interdisciplinary degree.
Where Edison State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Edison State Community CollegePiqua | $4,379 | $35,979* | — | $13,012* | — |
 Sinclair Community CollegeDayton | $3,435 | $27,036* | — | $10,089* | 0.37 |
| National Median | — | $35,979* | — | $13,023* | 0.36 |
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 Edison State Community College, approximately 17% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.