Median Earnings (1yr)
$42,284
62nd percentile (40th in VA)
Median Debt
$28,375
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.67
Manageable
Sample Size
1178
Adequate data

Analysis

Liberty University's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program delivers solid financial outcomes with notably manageable debt levels. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.67, graduates typically earn enough in their first year ($42,284) to make loan payments quite manageable—well below the concerning 1.0+ ratios seen in many programs. The debt burden ranks in the 22nd percentile nationally, meaning 78% of similar programs saddle students with more debt.

However, the earnings picture is more nuanced. While graduates earn above the national median for this field (62nd percentile), they fall below Virginia's state median, ranking only in the 40th percentile among in-state options. Virginia programs typically produce stronger earnings ($46,359 median vs. Liberty's $42,284), and top state competitors like UVA and VCU significantly outperform Liberty. The modest 9% earnings growth over four years suggests limited career advancement potential in the early years.

For anxious parents, this program represents a financially safe choice—your child is very unlikely to face crushing debt burdens. But if maximizing earning potential is the priority and your child can gain admission elsewhere, stronger Virginia programs exist. Liberty works best for students who value the university's specific environment and approach while wanting reasonable financial outcomes, rather than those seeking to maximize career earnings potential.

Where Liberty University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally

Liberty UniversityOther multi/interdisciplinary studies programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Liberty University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Liberty University graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Liberty University$42,284$46,175$28,3750.67
University of Virginia-Main Campus$52,463$61,339$26,7000.51
University of Richmond$49,421$59,003$24,7500.50
Virginia Commonwealth University$49,111$46,725$25,1250.51
Virginia Wesleyan University$48,841$45,069$31,0000.63
Old Dominion University$46,359$46,300$27,0000.58
National Median$38,704—$25,4950.66

Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Programs in Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville
$20,986$52,463$26,700
University of Richmond
University of Richmond
$62,600$49,421$24,750
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
$16,458$49,111$25,125
Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Beach
$36,960$48,841$31,000
Old Dominion University
Norfolk
$12,262$46,359$27,000

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 Liberty University, approximately 39% 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 1178 graduates with reported earnings and 1639 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.