Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Four years out, graduates from Emory's interdisciplinary studies program earn $72,067—a solid figure that suggests the credential delivers despite uncertain early returns. The estimated first-year earnings of $38,704 align with the national median for this field, but it's impossible to know whether Emory's selective admissions (11% acceptance rate, 1507 average SAT) translate to stronger outcomes than peer programs without actual data.
The debt picture looks manageable at an estimated $25,878, yielding a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's well within safe territory and compares favorably to other interdisciplinary programs in Georgia, where median debt runs higher at $28,678. The four-year earnings figure—the only concrete datapoint here—demonstrates meaningful income growth and exceeds what graduates from Georgia State and Kennesaw State earn in similar programs.
The challenge is that both the debt and first-year earnings are derived from broad national benchmarks, not Emory-specific outcomes. For a program at an elite institution serving mostly non-Pell students (82%), you'd hope to see actual numbers that demonstrate premium value. The fourth-year earnings suggest this program eventually delivers, but without knowing the true starting point or debt load for Emory graduates specifically, you're making an informed guess rather than assessing real outcomes. If your child has other options with reported data, those provide clearer pictures of what to expect.
Where Emory University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory University | — | $72,067 | — |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Georgia State University | $30,536 | $47,111 | +54% |
| Kennesaw State University | $36,114 | $42,922 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Emory UniversityAtlanta | $60,774 | $38,704* | $72,067 | $25,878* | — |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $36,114* | $42,922 | $29,125* | 0.81 |
 Georgia State UniversityAtlanta | $8,478 | $30,536* | $47,111 | $28,230* | 0.92 |
| 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 Emory University, approximately 18% 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 196 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.