Analysis
Lee University's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor's degree carries estimated debt of nearly $26,000—slightly above the Tennessee median for this field but close to national norms. Based on comparable programs across Tennessee, first-year earnings hover around $37,200, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69. That's manageable by most standards, suggesting graduates could reasonably pay down their loans within a few years if they maintain steady employment.
The challenge with interdisciplinary programs is their breadth can sometimes work against graduates in job markets that favor specialized credentials. Similar programs in Tennessee produce remarkably consistent outcomes—the top five schools all cluster within a $5,000 range in the mid-to-upper $30,000s, with Lee's estimated figure landing squarely in that pack. The national picture reinforces this pattern: the typical interdisciplinary bachelor's graduate earns around $38,700, with top-quartile earners reaching the mid-$40,000s.
For families considering Lee, the real question centers on what specific career path this degree supports. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable affordability, but interdisciplinary studies degrees often require either additional credentialing or a clear plan for how to market varied skills to employers. Given the limited sample sizes that necessitated these estimates, talking directly with Lee's career services about placement outcomes for recent graduates would provide crucial context these peer-program comparisons can't capture.
Where Lee University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22,690 | $37,247* | — | $25,878* | — | |
| $9,506 | $38,272* | $38,553 | $26,000* | 0.68 | |
| $63,946 | $37,276* | $60,205 | $12,000* | 0.32 | |
| $41,320 | $37,264* | $47,428 | $20,500* | 0.55 | |
| $10,344 | $37,229* | $39,408 | $30,430* | 0.82 | |
| $10,208 | $32,674* | $34,781 | $29,750* | 0.91 | |
| 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 Lee University, approximately 27% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.