Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,588
Est. from IN median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,373
Est. from national median (144 programs)

Analysis

Indiana State's interdisciplinary studies program faces a challenging debt equation. With an estimated $25,373 in student loans—about $5,000 above what comparable Indiana programs typically require—graduates are starting their careers with a burden that takes more than seven months of gross income to repay. The estimated first-year earnings of $40,588 align with what similar programs across the state produce, but that consistency offers little comfort when the debt load is notably higher.

The 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory compared to truly problematic programs, and the school's 92% admission rate makes it accessible to students who might not have other bachelor's degree options. However, the real concern is that gap between estimated debt here and what peer Indiana programs suggest is typical ($20,421). That's real money that will affect monthly budgets and long-term financial flexibility for a degree that doesn't command premium earnings in the job market.

For families weighing this option, the key question is whether Indiana State offers specific value—strong advising, particular internship connections, or location advantages—that justify paying more than what other interdisciplinary programs in the state typically cost. If not, exploring those alternatives makes financial sense, especially for students who'll need to borrow the full amount.

Where Indiana State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute$9,992$40,588*—$25,373*—
Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette$10,110$57,005*—$26,000*0.46
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis$10,449$40,588*—$14,842*0.37
DePauw UniversityGreencastle$57,070$27,414*——*—
National Median—$38,704*—$25,495*0.66
* Estimated from similar programs
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 Indiana State University, approximately 39% 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 median of 3 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.