Analysis
Fitchburg State's interdisciplinary studies program performs solidly above national standards while sitting right at the Massachusetts median—a respectable outcome for a program that costs substantially less than most Bay State alternatives. First-year graduates earn $39,530, about 12% more than the national typical, and that climbs to $46,214 by year four. With $26,000 in debt (the national median), graduates face manageable repayment at 66 cents of debt per dollar earned—not spectacular, but workable.
The key advantage here is consistency: earnings grow steadily over the first four years, suggesting graduates develop marketable skills that translate to career progression. Ranking in the 60th percentile among Massachusetts programs means you're getting middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a high-cost state, which matters when many comparable programs charge private school tuition. The 90% admission rate makes this an accessible option for students who might not gain entry to more selective institutions.
For families concerned about return on investment, this program delivers predictable, modest returns rather than spectacular ones. It won't lead to six-figure earnings, but graduates aren't drowning in debt either. If your child needs the flexibility of an interdisciplinary major and you're prioritizing affordability within Massachusetts, this represents a reasonable choice—just set realistic salary expectations.
Where Fitchburg State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fitchburg State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitchburg State University | $39,530 | $46,214 | +17% |
| 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 Nationally
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,046 | $39,530 | $46,214 | $26,000 | 0.66 | |
| $62,180 | $74,734 | $78,295 | $24,960 | 0.33 | |
| $15,580 | $60,897 | $39,309 | — | — | |
| $8,179 | $60,513 | — | — | — | |
| $46,140 | $57,906 | $58,631 | $31,142 | 0.54 | |
| $16,400 | $50,454 | — | $23,369 | 0.46 | |
| 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 Fitchburg State University, approximately 31% 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 104 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.