Analysis
The numbers here are too shaky to justify the investment. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, we're looking at a data sample so small that a handful of individual outcomes could swing these figures dramatically—and what they currently show isn't reassuring.
That first-year earning of $21,549 ranks in the bottom 10th percentile among New York interdisciplinary programs, well below the state median of $32,652. While earnings jump to $39,867 by year four, that's still roughly $8,000 below what graduates from Empire State or NYU Institute of Technology earn. The $21,000 debt load isn't catastrophic, but it equals nearly a full year's starting salary, creating real financial pressure during those crucial early career years when wages are lowest.
The broader concern is what an interdisciplinary degree from LIU actually qualifies you to do. These programs work best when they prepare students for specific career paths—data science combining computer science and statistics, or environmental policy blending science and public administration. Without knowing whether this program has that focus, and given its weak relative performance among New York options, parents should look hard at more established interdisciplinary programs in the SUNY system or clarify exactly what career path this degree opens up. If LIU can't answer that question convincingly, look elsewhere.
Where Long Island University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Long Island University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island University | $21,549 | $39,867 | +85% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Binghamton University | $26,700 | $64,005 | +140% |
| Stony Brook University | $32,855 | $47,129 | +43% |
| New York Institute of Technology | $34,859 | $36,818 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Long Island UniversityBrookville | $41,642 | $21,549 | $39,867 | $21,000 | 0.97 |
 Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs | $7,630 | $41,424 | — | $27,708 | 0.67 |
 New York Institute of TechnologyOld Westbury | $44,360 | $34,859 | $36,818 | $25,058 | 0.72 |
 Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook | $10,560 | $32,855 | $47,129 | $24,000 | 0.73 |
 Culinary Institute of AmericaHyde Park | $38,410 | $32,450 | — | $23,250 | 0.72 |
 Binghamton UniversityVestal | $10,363 | $26,700 | $64,005 | $21,667 | 0.81 |
| 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 Long Island University, approximately 19% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.