Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
Bachelor's Degree
fdu.eduAnalysis
This data offers a promising snapshot, but proceed carefully—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift dramatically with new cohorts. That said, Fairleigh Dickinson's interdisciplinary program shows graduates earning $37,183 initially and jumping to $52,604 by year four, a 42% increase that suggests solid career trajectory development. The program lands squarely at the state median while beating the national benchmark, which matters in New Jersey's competitive job market.
The debt picture looks manageable at $25,000, slightly below national levels for this degree. With a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates need about eight months of gross income to cover their loans—reasonable, though not exceptional. The first-year salary won't feel generous in the expensive New York metro area where many FDU graduates work, but the strong earnings growth indicates these students develop marketable skills that pay off within a few years.
The real caution here isn't the outcomes—they're respectable for an interdisciplinary degree. It's the tiny sample size and the 95% admission rate, which suggests this isn't a highly selective program building strong networks through peer quality. If your student thrives in flexible, self-directed learning environments and has a clear career path in mind, this could work. But don't assume these exact numbers will hold for future classes, and recognize you're paying a premium for a private school that delivers state-average results.
Where Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus | $37,183 | $52,604 | +41% |
| Lehigh University | $74,734 | $78,295 | +5% |
| Marist University | $57,906 | $58,631 | +1% |
| CUNY York College | $38,718 | $56,159 | +45% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $37,183 | $52,604 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,822 | $37,183 | $52,604 | $25,000 | 0.67 | |
| $35,822 | $37,183 | $52,604 | $25,000 | 0.67 | |
| National Median | — | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
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 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.