Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott

Embry-Riddle Prescott's interdisciplinary program commands a significant premium over typical outcomes for this degree, with first-year earnings of $41,524 beating the national median by nearly $6,300. That 80th percentile national ranking matters because interdisciplinary studies programs often struggle with post-graduation outcomes—many cluster below $35,000 in starting pay. The aviation school's reputation and career network appear to lift even its less specialized programs above baseline expectations.

The debt picture strengthens the case here: $29,319 represents the 30th percentile nationally (meaning 70% of similar programs saddle graduates with more debt), creating a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio. Within Arizona, this program sits comfortably above the state median and roughly matches University of Arizona's outcomes while significantly outperforming Northern Arizona University. For a 75% admission rate school, these numbers reflect solid execution rather than pure selectivity effects.

The main question is whether an interdisciplinary bachelor's justifies Embry-Riddle's tuition when the school's real strength lies in aviation and engineering. If your child genuinely needs the flexibility of an interdisciplinary degree, the earnings and debt combination here won't create financial stress. But if they're simply undecided about majors, exploring the school's core technical programs—where the institutional advantage would be even more pronounced—deserves serious consideration before committing to this path.