Analysis
McMurry's interdisciplinary studies program carries an estimated $25,071 in debt—roughly the median for Texas private universities offering this degree—while peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $48,381. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates would owe about half their annual salary, a manageable burden compared to many degree paths. The earnings estimate also runs well above the national median of $38,704 for interdisciplinary studies programs, though it's worth noting that Texas's larger public universities with reported data show graduates earning $54,000-$57,000 in their first year.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies degrees is their variability—outcomes depend heavily on how students construct their coursework and what careers they target. The state-level estimate here suggests reasonable prospects, but without program-specific data from McMurry, parents should dig deeper into what concentrations or focus areas their student plans to pursue. At a school where 45% of students receive Pell grants, affordability matters, and this debt load won't trap graduates in immediate financial stress.
The practical takeaway: if your student has a clear career direction that interdisciplinary coursework supports, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment. But vague plans combined with private-school tuition make this riskier than more defined majors. Ask McMurry directly about employment outcomes for recent graduates in your student's intended concentration—schools usually track this internally even when federal data gets suppressed.
Where McMurry University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,372 | $48,381* | — | $25,071* | — | |
| $9,173 | $57,511* | $53,527 | $37,125* | 0.65 | |
| $9,711 | $56,904* | $53,107 | $21,500* | 0.38 | |
| $7,746 | $56,645* | $53,078 | $20,904* | 0.37 | |
| $8,648 | $54,038* | $51,475 | $21,668* | 0.40 | |
| $11,164 | $53,733* | $53,283 | $23,573* | 0.44 | |
| 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 McMurry University, approximately 45% 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 39 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.