Analysis
This program appears financially workable, though the complete absence of reported outcomes from Glenville State or any West Virginia peers means families are navigating with limited visibility. The estimated $13,000 in debt against $36,000 in first-year earnings—derived from national medians across similar interdisciplinary associate's programs—produces a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's notably lower than many bachelor's degree programs and suggests graduates could handle repayment while covering living expenses.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies at the associate's level is that career trajectories vary dramatically based on what the student actually studies and how they position themselves afterward. The national data shows a wide spread, with top programs producing $42,500 in first-year earnings while others cluster around $36,000. Without specific outcome data from Glenville State itself, it's impossible to know whether this program functions as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, feeds into specific local employers, or serves students seeking flexible credentials while working.
For families considering this path: the financial risk appears modest given the relatively low estimated debt burden. However, press the school directly on what recent graduates have done after completing this degree—whether they transferred, entered specific careers, or leveraged the credential in ways that justify the investment. The absence of reported data doesn't necessarily signal program weakness, but it does mean you'll need to do more homework to understand what you're actually buying.
Where Glenville State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,412 | $35,979* | — | $13,012* | — | |
| $5,715 | $59,456* | $57,364 | —* | — | |
| $6,638 | $58,827* | $80,459 | $11,312* | 0.19 | |
| $4,448 | $51,330* | $52,881 | —* | — | |
| $4,706 | $48,307* | $50,784 | $13,077* | 0.27 | |
| $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 Glenville State University, approximately 42% 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.