Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Lewis-Clark State College

The estimated $25,373 in debt for this program carries a shadow of concern when set against likely first-year earnings of $38,704. While that 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory on paper, this interdisciplinary bachelor's degree appears positioned at the lower end of what similar programs deliver in Idaho—where the state median reaches $45,369, nearly $7,000 higher than what national peer programs suggest for Lewis-Clark State.

This gap matters practically. If these estimates hold true, graduates would need roughly eight months of gross income to cover their debt—not unworkable, but it means less room for rent, groceries, and other necessities in those critical early career years. Interdisciplinary studies programs cast a wide net by design, which can be either an advantage or a liability depending on how students leverage the flexibility. The lower earnings estimate suggests this particular program may struggle to convert that breadth into immediate market value compared to Boise State's outcomes.

For parents weighing this investment, the uncertainty cuts both ways: actual outcomes could be better or worse than these national projections. What's clear is that Idaho's small market for these programs creates risk—you're betting on a degree structure that may not translate cleanly to local employer needs. If your student has a specific career plan that leverages interdisciplinary training, verify that employers in your target field actually value it. Otherwise, the debt-to-opportunity balance here leans uncomfortably tight.