Analysis
Maryland's interdisciplinary programs cluster tightly around $38,000 in starting salary, and McDaniel's estimated trajectory fits squarely in this middle band—landing near the state median initially, then jumping to $55,602 by year four. That's a substantial increase that suggests graduates find their footing after an initial period of career exploration, which is common for this degree type. The estimated $24,125 in debt produces a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio, though it's worth noting this sits slightly above the state's typical $21,250 median for similar programs.
The four-year earnings figure is particularly encouraging and separates McDaniel from the pack—it exceeds even Johns Hopkins' first-year outcomes for this major. This likely reflects the program's broad applicability: interdisciplinary degrees can lead to diverse career paths, and the mid-career bump suggests graduates are leveraging that flexibility effectively. With 34% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a reasonably economically diverse population who appear to achieve solid mobility.
The caveat is clear: these figures are estimates based on peer programs in Maryland, not reported outcomes from McDaniel's own graduates. For a program with an 84% admission rate and moderate debt load, the projected earnings trajectory suggests reasonable value, but you're betting on whether this specific program will deliver results similar to its state peers. The year-four data point offers some reassurance that the investment compounds over time.
Where McDaniel College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDaniel College | — | $55,602 | — |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Loyola University Maryland | $40,150 | $67,029 | +67% |
| Stevenson University | $35,723 | $42,994 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 McDaniel CollegeWestminster | $49,647 | $37,937* | $55,602 | $24,125* | — |
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $46,455* | — | $13,750* | 0.30 |
 Loyola University MarylandBaltimore | $55,480 | $40,150* | $67,029 | $27,000* | 0.67 |
 Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills | $39,708 | $35,723* | $42,994 | $31,000* | 0.87 |
 Salisbury UniversitySalisbury | $10,638 | $30,895* | — | $17,500* | 0.57 |
| 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 McDaniel College, approximately 34% 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 4 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.