Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Lehigh University

Lehigh's interdisciplinary program produces earnings that are more than double what most similar programs deliver—$74,734 in the first year versus a national median of just $35,282. Among Pennsylvania's 20 schools offering this degree, Lehigh ranks at the very top, outperforming even state flagships by a factor of two or more. The $24,960 debt load sits right at typical levels, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that signals manageable repayment regardless of career path.

However, the graduate sample here is tiny—under 30 students—which means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. What you're seeing may reflect outcomes for a handful of well-connected students at a selective institution (29% admission rate, 1432 average SAT) rather than a reliable program track record. Interdisciplinary degrees can vary wildly depending on how students construct their coursework and what they pair it with—consulting recruiting at an elite school produces very different outcomes than a generic liberal arts mix elsewhere.

The 5% earnings growth to year four suggests reasonable stability, but these early figures likely capture graduates entering business, consulting, or tech roles where Lehigh's institutional reputation carries weight. For families comfortable with some uncertainty, the first-year earnings justify the investment. Just recognize you're betting on Lehigh's network and student caliber as much as the program itself.