Analysis
A $26,500 debt burden against first-year earnings around $35,300—what comparable interdisciplinary programs nationally suggest this degree produces—puts graduates in manageable territory, with debt under 75% of initial income. That's a reasonable starting point, though the estimate matters: similar programs at Ohio schools typically yield better, with median earnings closer to $41,500. If Hiram's outcomes mirror that state average rather than the national figure, the financial picture brightens considerably.
The interdisciplinary nature of this degree creates both opportunity and uncertainty. These programs vary wildly in focus—some blend business with humanities, others combine sciences with social sciences—which explains the wide range in outcomes nationally. Without program-specific data from Hiram, you're relying on educated guesses about where this particular combination lands. The school's 93% admission rate and substantial Pell population (32%) suggest it serves students who may need career support to convert an interdisciplinary degree into strong earnings, so ask hard questions about job placement assistance and alumni networks in specific fields.
The bottom line: the estimated debt load won't crush most graduates, but without knowing Hiram's actual outcomes, you're betting that its interdisciplinary program performs somewhere between the national median and Ohio's stronger track record. Request employment data directly from the school—where graduates actually work and what they earn—before committing to a program where the Department of Education can't verify results with real numbers.
Where Hiram College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hiram CollegeHiram | $26,265 | $35,282* | — | $26,500* | — |
 University of ToledoToledo | $12,377 | $41,513* | $39,840 | $31,355* | 0.76 |
| 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 Hiram College, approximately 32% 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 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.