Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Hodges University

The reported first-year earnings of $60,897 look impressive—72% above the state median for interdisciplinary studies programs in Florida—but there's a critical problem that should concern any parent: earnings plummet to $39,309 by year four. That's a 35% drop when most graduates see their income rise. This pattern suggests many graduates start in higher-paying roles they don't sustain, possibly due to the general nature of the degree or misalignment between the credential and available career paths. Based on comparable programs at Hodges, debt would likely be around $29,319, which is actually manageable against that first-year salary. But if your child's earnings follow the trajectory shown here, they could find themselves earning less than graduates from the state's typical interdisciplinary studies program while carrying above-average debt.

The fundamental question is whether this program leads to stable career outcomes or just temporary positions. When programs show this kind of earnings decline, it often indicates graduates are initially hired based on having *a* bachelor's degree but lack the specialized skills to advance or maintain their income level. Florida's stronger interdisciplinary programs—at UCF, FIU, and others—produce more modest but stable earnings around $35,000-$41,000. Before committing, your family needs to understand what specific careers Hodges graduates actually secure and whether those paths are sustainable, because the data suggests something disrupts their earning trajectory in a way that's unusual and concerning.