Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 looks manageable on paper, but the picture becomes cloudier when you realize both figures come from national benchmarks rather than tracked outcomes for IU-Kokomo graduates specifically. Based on similar interdisciplinary bachelor's programs nationwide, students typically earn around $35,000 in their first year and carry about $26,000 in debt—numbers that suggest a reasonable financial burden, but tell us nothing about how this particular program performs.
What should catch your attention is the gap between these national estimates and what Indiana programs actually report. Other interdisciplinary bachelor's programs in the state show a median of $47,000 in first-year earnings—significantly higher than the national figure used here—though with substantially more debt ($47,000). Whether IU-Kokomo's program tracks closer to struggling programs like Bethel ($33,600) or stronger ones like IU-East ($60,500) is impossible to know without actual data. The school serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (35%), which often correlates with programs designed for working adults or career changers, but that context doesn't clarify the return on investment.
The financial uncertainty here is real. You're being asked to invest in a program where neither the earnings outcomes nor the typical debt burden have been publicly verified. If your student has transfer credits that could reduce costs, or if this degree serves as a strategic completion path for someone already working, the risk diminishes. Otherwise, consider programs with transparent, verified outcomes.
Where Indiana University-Kokomo 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Indiana University-KokomoKokomo | $8,179 | $35,282* | — | $25,996* | — |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $60,513* | — | —* | — |
 Bethel UniversityMishawaka | $33,320 | $33,596* | — | $46,989* | 1.40 |
| 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 Indiana University-Kokomo, approximately 35% 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.