Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Haverford College

A bachelor's from one of Pennsylvania's most selective liberal arts colleges—with a 13% admission rate and SAT scores averaging nearly 1500—comes with estimated debt of $26,000. That's essentially in line with other interdisciplinary studies programs statewide. The question is whether Haverford's prestige translates into stronger outcomes than the $44,000 first-year earnings suggested by comparable Pennsylvania programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 looks manageable on paper, but context matters. Haverford serves relatively few Pell grant students (14%), suggesting many families can absorb costs beyond loans. The estimated earnings figure mirrors the state median, which includes schools with far less selective student bodies. Given Haverford's academic caliber, actual outcomes could exceed these estimates—or they might not, depending on how interdisciplinary studies graduates leverage the college's network and academic rigor. Drexel's interdisciplinary studies grads, for comparison, reportedly earn $72,000 in their first year, though that program likely has a different focus.

For families paying full freight at an elite liberal arts college, these estimated figures won't drive the decision—you're banking on long-term career trajectory and connections. But if significant loans are involved, recognize that this major doesn't guarantee an immediate financial advantage commensurate with Haverford's selectivity. The estimation uncertainty cuts both ways: outcomes could be better or worse than these peer-based projections suggest.