Analysis
Virginia's interdisciplinary bachelor's programs show earnings clustering in the mid-$40,000s, and Mary Baldwin's estimated outcomes align with this state pattern. Based on comparable programs at similar Virginia institutions, graduates here likely face about $29,700 in debt against first-year earnings around $46,400—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 that sits comfortably within manageable territory. For context, this estimated earning power matches the state median and actually exceeds the national benchmark of $38,700 by nearly $8,000.
The practical reality: if these peer-program estimates hold, a graduate could reasonably dedicate about 15% of gross income to loan payments and clear their debt within standard repayment timelines. That's notably better than many bachelor's programs, particularly given that nearly half of Mary Baldwin students qualify for Pell grants. The estimated debt load runs slightly higher than both state and national medians for this field, though the earnings potential appears sufficient to offset that difference.
For families weighing this decision, the key question isn't whether the numbers work—they likely do—but whether an interdisciplinary degree delivers the career clarity your child needs. These programs offer flexibility but require students to articulate their value to employers. If your child has a specific career path in mind that this degree supports, the financial fundamentals based on peer outcomes suggest reasonable risk. If they're choosing interdisciplinary studies because they're unsure what to study, that uncertainty matters more than the estimated debt load.
Where Mary Baldwin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (21 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mary Baldwin UniversityStaunton | $33,157 | $46,359* | — | $29,688* | — |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $52,463* | $61,339 | $26,700* | 0.51 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $49,421* | $59,003 | $24,750* | 0.50 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $49,111* | $46,725 | $25,125* | 0.51 |
 Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia Beach | $36,960 | $48,841* | $45,069 | $31,000* | 0.63 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $46,359* | $46,300 | $27,000* | 0.58 |
| 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 Mary Baldwin University, approximately 48% 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 9 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.