Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Lakeshore Technical College

The estimated debt load of $13,000 for this interdisciplinary associate's degree closely mirrors the national benchmark, suggesting relatively typical borrowing patterns for this credential type. With first-year earnings projected around $36,000 based on similar programs nationwide, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 falls well within manageable territory—you're looking at debt roughly equal to a third of annual income, which most financial advisors would consider reasonable.

What makes this harder to evaluate is the interdisciplinary nature itself. These programs vary enormously in focus and career outcomes depending on how students structure their coursework. Some use them as flexible pathways into specific trades or technical fields where Wisconsin's economy is strong; others end up with credentials that don't clearly signal to employers what skills they've gained. The national median tells us what's typical across all these variations, but it can't predict which path an individual student will take.

For parents, the key question is whether your child has a clear plan for what they'll do with this degree. If it's a strategic combination preparing them for a specific job market need, the modest debt load makes it a low-risk exploration. If it's a default choice without direction, that same $36,000 starting salary might not feel like enough return. The estimated numbers suggest neither disaster nor windfall—just the importance of intentional planning.