Analysis
Lamar University's interdisciplinary studies program delivers something unusual: above-average national results with below-average state performance. At $46,064 initially, graduates earn 19% more than the national median for this major, placing them in the 74th percentile nationally. But in Texas, where the state median sits at $48,381, Lamar ranks in just the 40th percentile—trailing in-state alternatives like University of Houston ($56,904) and Texas Southern ($57,511) by substantial margins.
The debt picture offers some consolation. At $31,000, borrowers face higher-than-average debt (Texas median is $24,038), but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 remains manageable. Still, the complete stagnation in earnings—dropping slightly from year one to year four—means graduates don't grow into their debt burden the way most bachelor's holders do. For a program serving a student body where 44% receive Pell grants, this matters: there's no financial momentum post-graduation.
If your child is committed to staying in Texas, stronger interdisciplinary options exist at comparable public universities. Lamar works as a pathway to stable $45K employment, but don't expect the typical earnings trajectory that makes student debt easier to manage over time.
Where Lamar University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Lamar University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar University | $46,064 | $45,514 | -1% |
| Texas Southern University | $57,511 | $53,527 | -7% |
| University of North Texas | $53,733 | $53,283 | -1% |
| University of Houston-Downtown | $49,734 | $53,235 | +7% |
| University of Houston | $56,904 | $53,107 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lamar UniversityBeaumont | $8,690 | $46,064 | $45,514 | $31,000 | 0.67 |
 Texas Southern UniversityHouston | $9,173 | $57,511 | $53,527 | $37,125 | 0.65 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $56,904 | $53,107 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $56,645 | $53,078 | $20,904 | 0.37 |
 Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | $8,648 | $54,038 | $51,475 | $21,668 | 0.40 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $53,733 | $53,283 | $23,573 | 0.44 |
| National Median | — | $38,704 | — | $25,495 | 0.66 |
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 Lamar University, approximately 44% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 179 graduates with reported earnings and 221 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.