Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Georgia State University

Georgia State's interdisciplinary studies degree starts worryingly low—$30,536 in the first year ranks in just the 14th percentile nationally—but shows the strongest earnings growth of any program in its Georgia cohort. By year four, graduates reach $47,111, vaulting them above the state median and within striking distance of top programs like Kennesaw State. This trajectory matters: where Kennesaw grads start higher but plateau faster, GSU graduates gain $16,575 over four years, a 54% jump that suggests they're finding their footing in careers that reward experience over immediate credentials.

The challenge is surviving that difficult first year. With $28,230 in debt—above both state and national medians—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 right out of the gate. For families counting on immediate returns, especially given that half of GSU students receive Pell grants, this creates real financial stress. The program sits at the state median for earnings (40th percentile among Georgia schools), not terrible but hardly competitive.

The verdict depends on your child's situation: if they have family support to weather the low starting salary, the strong earnings growth could pay off. But if they need income immediately after graduation to manage debt, this program's delayed returns make it a riskier bet than more focused degrees with higher starting salaries.