Analysis
Multi/interdisciplinary studies programs in Illinois show striking variability in outcomes, with first-year earnings ranging from $26,000 to over $50,000. Based on comparable programs at similar Illinois institutions, Elmhurst's bachelor's appears to fall in the middle of this range, with estimated first-year earnings around $35,300 and debt near $28,200. That 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio sits slightly above the national median debt ($25,495) but aligns with typical Illinois figures, suggesting manageable repayment—though not an obvious financial win.
The challenge with interdisciplinary degrees is their breadth can translate to varied career paths, which likely explains the wide earnings spread across schools. Programs at other Illinois institutions produce everything from $26,000 to $50,000 in first-year earnings, and without specific data on where Elmhurst's graduates actually land, you're betting on the middle estimate holding true. The national median of $38,700 suggests slightly higher earning potential exists, though that depends heavily on what career direction students pursue and how well the program prepares them for it.
For a family weighing this option: the estimated debt load is workable if those mid-$30,000 earnings materialize, but there's genuine uncertainty here. If your child has a clear professional goal that aligns with this degree's flexibility, it could work. If they're choosing interdisciplinary studies because they're unsure what else to study, the financial picture becomes riskier—especially when peers at some Illinois schools are earning $15,000-20,000 more right out of the gate.
Where Elmhurst University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (17 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Elmhurst UniversityElmhurst | $41,628 | $35,286* | — | $28,202* | — |
 Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston | $13,403 | $50,862* | $53,724 | $22,033* | 0.43 |
 National Louis UniversityChicago | $12,345 | $38,765* | $42,929 | $28,202* | 0.73 |
 Roosevelt UniversityChicago | $20,280 | $31,806* | $38,422 | $28,474* | 0.90 |
 Columbia College ChicagoChicago | $32,520 | $25,999* | $38,547 | $27,000* | 1.04 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495* | 0.66 |
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 Elmhurst University, approximately 37% 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 median of 4 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.