Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

LSU's interdisciplinary studies program lands solidly in the middle of Louisiana's offerings—40th percentile statewide—but trails the national median by over $4,400 in starting salary. At $34,296 in year one, graduates earn about 12% less than the national average for this degree, while taking on typical debt levels ($24,646). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 is manageable, meaning graduates can realistically pay down loans within a reasonable timeframe, but you're not getting the kind of financial upside that justifies LSU's flagship reputation in this particular major.

The 21% earnings growth to year four ($41,336) is solid and suggests the degree does open doors over time. However, it's worth noting that Northwestern State graduates in the same field start at $53,442—a $19,000+ premium that's hard to ignore if you're staying in Louisiana. This isn't a disaster scenario, but interdisciplinary studies at LSU appears to deliver middle-of-the-pack outcomes at a school that generally commands stronger results in its core programs.

If your child is set on LSU and this flexible major fits their interests, the debt load won't sink them. But if career earnings matter and they're open to alternatives, either a more defined major at LSU or this same interdisciplinary path at Northwestern State would likely yield better financial returns.