Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Lasell University

A $26,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $42,000 looks manageable on paper—similar programs in Massachusetts typically produce a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans within about seven months of gross income. That's a reasonable starting point, though it's worth noting these figures come from peer programs across the state, not Lasell's specific outcomes.

The challenge is what "Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies" actually prepares students to do. This major encompasses everything from combined humanities degrees to pre-professional programs, and first-year earnings can vary dramatically depending on which direction a student takes. The $42,000 estimate sits right at Massachusetts' median for this degree, but top programs in the state push past $50,000—a $10,000+ gap that compounds over a career. The field itself tends to produce lower earnings than more focused majors, with the national median trailing many traditional liberal arts degrees.

For families considering Lasell, the crucial question is whether this interdisciplinary program connects to a clear career path or serves mainly as a flexible option for undecided students. If your child has a specific professional goal, a more targeted major at a comparable school might offer better earnings potential. If they genuinely need the flexibility or are combining the degree with valuable internships and networking, the debt level won't be crushing—but they'll need to be strategic about leveraging that broad education into concrete job opportunities.