Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Madisonville Community College
Associate's Degree
madisonville.kctcs.eduAnalysis
The seven similar interdisciplinary studies programs across Kentucky suggest first-year earnings around $39,918—squarely in the middle of what community colleges in the state deliver for this degree. That puts Madisonville's likely outcomes right at the state median, though notably behind programs like Bluegrass Community and Technical College that report nearly $48,000 for their graduates.
With estimated debt at $13,023, the financial equation looks manageable: graduates would owe roughly a third of their first year's income, a ratio that typically allows for reasonable repayment. Peer programs nationally show identical debt levels, suggesting this is standard for two-year interdisciplinary degrees. The challenge is that "interdisciplinary studies" often serves as a flexible pathway rather than direct career preparation, which means actual outcomes can vary widely depending on what students do with the credential.
For a family weighing this investment, the key question is what comes next. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year program, this provides an affordable foundation. If they're entering the workforce immediately, comparable Kentucky programs show a $17,000 range in earnings—from roughly $31,000 to $48,000—which suggests the specific skills and connections students develop matter as much as the degree itself. Given the limited data for Madisonville specifically, talking with current students about their post-graduation plans would help clarify whether this program aligns with your student's goals.
Where Madisonville Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,656 | $39,918* | — | $13,023* | — | |
| $4,706 | $48,307* | $50,784 | $13,077* | 0.27 | |
| $4,656 | $42,718* | $29,597 | $14,078* | 0.33 | |
| $4,706 | $42,549* | $29,085 | $15,503* | 0.36 | |
| $4,656 | $39,918* | $41,307 | $10,000* | 0.25 | |
| $4,656 | $31,643* | $25,058 | $13,023* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $35,979* | — | $13,023* | 0.36 |
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 Madisonville Community College, approximately 29% 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 7 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.