Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,282
Est. from national median (55 programs)
Median Debt
$32,021
23% above national median

Analysis

Elizabeth City State's interdisciplinary studies bachelor's comes with $32,021 in debt—substantially more than the $26,000 national median for this major. That heavier debt load matters when first-year earnings from similar programs nationally sit around $35,282, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1.0. You're essentially borrowing a full year's salary, which means stretched budgets during those critical early career years when graduates are trying to establish financial independence.

The program serves a student body where over half receive Pell grants, making affordability particularly important. While interdisciplinary studies degrees offer flexibility and can lead to various career paths, the earnings ceiling appears relatively modest—comparable programs nationally top out around $40,200 even at the 75th percentile. This isn't a field where exceptional financial outcomes are common, regardless of the school.

Without actual graduate data from Elizabeth City State specifically, you're evaluating this program based on what similar interdisciplinary studies programs produce elsewhere. The debt burden sits well above typical outcomes for this major, which tilts the calculation unfavorably. If your child is considering this path, understanding their specific career target and whether that justifies above-average borrowing for a field with middling earnings potential is essential.

Where Elizabeth City State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Elizabeth City State UniversityElizabeth City$3,412$35,282*—$32,021—
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$74,734*$78,295$24,9600.33
Hodges UniversityFort Myers$15,580$60,897*$39,309——
Indiana University-EastRichmond$8,179$60,513*———
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$57,906*$58,631$31,1420.54
Park UniversityParkville$16,400$50,454*—$23,3690.46
National Median—$35,282*—$26,0000.74
* Estimated from similar programs
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 Elizabeth City State University, approximately 53% 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 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.