Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Hope International University

A bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Hope International University carries an estimated debt burden of $22,875, which sits above the state median for this major but comes with first-year earnings that peer programs in California suggest will hover around $40,400. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—manageable compared to many programs, though the $5,600 gap between Hope's estimated debt and what similar California programs typically produce is worth noting.

The bigger challenge is the earnings ceiling. While this program's projected outcomes align closely with both California and national medians for interdisciplinary studies degrees, the field itself shows modest earning potential. Top interdisciplinary programs in California like UC Berkeley and UCLA push into the mid-40s, but even these well-regarded options don't dramatically outperform the median. That suggests the major itself, rather than the institution, may be the limiting factor.

For families considering this program, the key question is return on investment relative to more affordable options. Hope serves a substantial population of lower-income students (43% receive Pell grants), but with estimated debt exceeding what comparable California programs typically produce and earnings that mirror statewide norms, this represents a fairly typical financial proposition for an interdisciplinary degree—neither unusually risky nor particularly advantageous. The small sample size that necessitated these estimates also means the actual experience of Hope's graduates remains uncertain.