Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at King University

King University's interdisciplinary bachelor's program faces a fundamental challenge: similar programs in Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $37,247, while students carry an estimated $25,878 in debt—a ratio that puts nearly 70% of a graduate's first-year salary toward debt obligations. That's roughly $2,000 more debt than the typical Tennessee program in this field, yet earnings align right at the state median. When you consider that 42% of King students receive Pell grants, this debt load could prove particularly burdensome for graduates from lower-income backgrounds.

The bigger picture isn't encouraging either. Peer programs across Tennessee cluster tightly in the mid-to-high $30,000s for first-year earnings, with even top-ranked schools like Vanderbilt and Belmont producing graduates who earn around $37,000. This suggests the field itself offers limited early-career earning power, regardless of institution. Interdisciplinary studies programs often attract students changing careers or seeking flexibility, but that versatility doesn't translate into immediate financial returns that would make this debt load manageable.

For families weighing this investment, the math is straightforward: if comparable programs produce earnings barely enough to service the debt, your child will likely spend their first few working years financially constrained. Unless they have a clear path to graduate school or a specific career where this credential opens doors, the estimated numbers suggest exploring more affordable options or programs with stronger earning trajectories.