Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Loyola University New Orleans

A bachelor's degree costing roughly $26,000 in debt sounds reasonable—until you see what interdisciplinary studies programs typically deliver in Louisiana. Based on eight comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings hover around $35,000, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74. That's manageable on paper, but it means nearly three-quarters of a year's salary goes toward debt repayment. For context, interdisciplinary studies graduates nationally earn a median of $38,700, suggesting Louisiana's job market for this credential runs about 10% cooler than the national picture.

The real concern is the range: some Louisiana interdisciplinary programs produce graduates earning $53,000 annually, while others cluster in the mid-$30,000s. Without actual outcomes data from Loyola specifically, you're betting on where this program lands within that spread. Given Loyola's 88% admission rate and that 37% of students receive Pell grants, this appears positioned as an accessible option—but "accessible" doesn't guarantee strong employment outcomes for a degree category this broad.

If your child is considering this path, understand you're financing a credential that peer programs suggest will produce entry-level earnings. The debt load is moderate rather than crippling, but there's little evidence here of standout value. Press Loyola directly for graduate outcomes before committing.