Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Maysville Community and Technical College

The $42,718 first-year salary at Maysville's interdisciplinary program looks strong initially—ranking in the 76th percentile nationally and beating Kentucky's median for this degree by nearly $3,000. But here's the concern: by year four, median earnings drop to just under $30,000, a 31% decline that suggests these graduates may be landing in jobs with limited advancement or facing instability. Among Kentucky's 16 schools offering this associate's, Maysville ranks around the middle, trailing programs at Bluegrass and Jefferson Community and Technical Colleges by $5,000-6,000 in first-year earnings.

The debt load of $14,078 is manageable relative to that strong first-year salary, but becomes more burdensome as earnings decline. This pattern raises questions about whether graduates are building sustainable careers or cycling through entry-level positions. The moderate sample size means this data is reasonably reliable, but individual outcomes will vary significantly given the broad nature of interdisciplinary studies.

For families, this program could work if your student has a clear plan for how they'll use this degree—perhaps as a stepping stone to a bachelor's or a specific career with defined progression. Without that plan, the earnings trajectory suggests this credential alone may not provide the stable career path many parents hope for. The relatively low debt helps, but doesn't fully offset concerns about long-term earning potential.