Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 sits in reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, though the estimated figures here—drawn from national peer programs—tell us more about the broad landscape of interdisciplinary studies than about McPherson specifically. Comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,700 with typical debt loads near $26,000, putting this program roughly in line with what similar degrees produce elsewhere. In Kansas, interdisciplinary programs cluster around $37,400 in early earnings, so the national benchmark actually appears slightly more optimistic than the state norm.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies degrees is their flexibility cuts both ways: they can support diverse career paths but lack the clear earning trajectories of specialized fields. With 34% of students receiving Pell grants and an 84% admission rate, McPherson serves a broad access mission, which makes the estimated debt load worth watching closely. A $26,000 burden becomes manageable at $38,700 annually, but only if graduates secure stable employment quickly—and without school-specific outcomes data, that pathway remains uncertain.
Before committing, connect directly with McPherson's career services to understand where recent interdisciplinary studies graduates actually land. The estimated numbers suggest a workable investment on paper, but real outcomes for this specific program could vary significantly from these national projections.
Where McPherson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 McPherson CollegeMcPherson | $35,162 | $38,704* | — | $25,878* | — |
 Newman UniversityWichita | $35,500 | $37,399* | — | —* | — |
| 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 McPherson 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 national median of 196 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.