Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Lindenwood University

Lindenwood's interdisciplinary studies program graduates earn about $3,300 more than the typical Missouri graduate in this field—placing it 60th percentile statewide—but trail the national median by roughly $2,000. For a relatively affordable debt load of $34,596 (lower than 95% of programs nationally), graduates face manageable payments that equal just under one year's salary, which falls within the conventional "affordable" range.

The catch here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could swing considerably year-to-year. That said, the program performs competitively within Missouri, essentially matching what Mizzou and Missouri Western graduates earn while keeping debt reasonable. First-year earnings of $36,653 aren't impressive in absolute terms, but interdisciplinary studies programs rarely produce high early salaries—they're often stepping stones to graduate school or career pivots rather than direct vocational training.

If your child plans to work in Missouri after graduation and needs flexibility in their coursework, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But if they're aiming for strong immediate earnings, they should understand that $36,000 starting salaries mean a tight budget in the early years. The real value will depend heavily on how they leverage the degree—whether for grad school applications, career changes, or building a unique skill combination that employers value.