Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins students entering interdisciplinary studies earn $46,455 in their first year—about $8,500 more than the Maryland median and nearly $8,000 above the national benchmark. That's a meaningful premium for a program that often gets dismissed as unfocused. Combined with exceptionally low debt of just $13,750 (less than half the national median for this major), the financial picture looks remarkably clean. The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of salary, making this one of the more manageable starting points among interdisciplinary programs.

What's striking here is the value relative to alternatives. Among Maryland's interdisciplinary programs, Hopkins outearns every major competitor—including Loyola by $6,300 and Stevenson by nearly $11,000. The earnings advantage isn't enormous in absolute terms, but paired with such minimal debt, it offers unusual financial flexibility for graduates who may pursue graduate school, nonprofit work, or career exploration. The Hopkins name and network likely explain much of this edge, even in a less traditionally career-focused major.

For parents worried that interdisciplinary studies might be too broad to deliver career outcomes, Hopkins' version provides reassurance. Your child graduates with minimal debt and earnings that actually exceed three-quarters of similar programs nationwide—a strong foundation whether they're heading to med school, consulting, or figuring things out.