Analysis
A debt load around $13,000 for an associate's degree in interdisciplinary studies represents a manageable starting point, though the projected first-year earnings of roughly $36,000 require some honest context. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates would theoretically need about four months of gross income to clear their educational debt—a reasonable figure on paper. The challenge lies in what "interdisciplinary studies" actually prepares students to do in the job market.
Without program-specific outcomes from Fort Scott or comparable Kansas institutions, we're working from national patterns that show wide variation in how interdisciplinary associate's degrees translate to employment. Some graduates use these credentials as stepping stones to bachelor's programs or enter fields where versatility matters more than specialized training. Others find the broad curriculum leaves them competing for entry-level positions against candidates with more targeted credentials. The earnings estimate itself comes from peer programs nationally, and Kansas labor markets—particularly in smaller communities like Fort Scott—may offer different realities than national averages suggest.
The financial risk here isn't catastrophic, but prospective students need a clear plan for what comes after graduation. If this degree serves as transfer preparation toward a bachelor's program, the modest debt load makes sense. If it's meant as a terminal credential for immediate employment, parents should press the school for specifics: what jobs do their graduates actually get, and what does the local market pay?
Where Fort Scott Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fort Scott Community CollegeFort Scott | $3,240 | $35,979* | — | $13,012* | — |
 Central Carolina Technical CollegeSumter | $5,715 | $59,456* | $57,364 | —* | — |
 Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton | $6,638 | $58,827* | $80,459 | $11,312* | 0.19 |
 Tri-County Technical CollegePendleton | $4,448 | $51,330* | $52,881 | —* | — |
 Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington | $4,706 | $48,307* | $50,784 | $13,077* | 0.27 |
 Aiken Technical CollegeGraniteville | $5,044 | $45,236* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $35,979* | — | $13,023* | 0.36 |
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 Fort Scott Community College, approximately 26% 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 29 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.