Analysis
Similar programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $43,600 with debt near $26,000—producing a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's a reasonable financial start, though the wide variation among peer schools (Drexel's interdisciplinary graduates earn $72,000 versus Moravian's $37,800) highlights how much outcomes can differ even within the same state and major.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is understanding what career path it supports. When data is too limited to report, it often signals a small graduating cohort, which could mean either a boutique program with personalized attention or one without clearly defined career pipelines. The estimated earnings sit at Pennsylvania's median for this field and above the national benchmark of $38,700, but that advantage matters less if the program doesn't connect students to specific employers or graduate schools.
For parents, the key question is what this degree actually prepares students to do. Lycoming serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (40%), so affordability matters here. The estimated debt level is typical for private colleges and manageable relative to likely earnings, but only if the interdisciplinary approach translates into marketable skills or credentials. Before committing, get specific about career outcomes for recent graduates—not just placement rates, but actual job titles and grad school acceptances that demonstrate the degree's practical value.
Where Lycoming College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lycoming CollegeWilliamsport | $47,675 | $43,593* | — | $25,939* | — |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,174* | $82,021 | $25,878* | 0.36 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $43,593* | $60,796 | $19,875* | 0.46 |
 Moravian UniversityBethlehem | $52,000 | $37,824* | — | $27,000* | 0.71 |
| 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 Lycoming College, approximately 40% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.