Analysis
Something appears off with the earnings trajectory here: similar interdisciplinary programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $43,593, yet by year four, Mercyhurst graduates are earning just $30,971—a decline rather than the growth you'd expect. That's 29% below the national median for these programs and leaves graduates earning less than half what Drexel's interdisciplinary studies majors command, even though both programs cost comparable amounts to attend.
The $26,000 debt load sits right at Pennsylvania's norm for this field, and at 0.60 times estimated first-year earnings, it's manageable on paper. But that ratio assumes the $43,593 starting salary holds true for Mercyhurst specifically, and the year-four data casts serious doubt on whether graduates maintain that earning power. If actual starting salaries are closer to that $30,971 figure, the debt burden becomes significantly heavier—approaching a full year's income rather than seven months.
For your child, the fundamental question is whether this particular program provides clear career pathways that peer programs in Pennsylvania achieve more reliably. Interdisciplinary studies degrees can work brilliantly when paired with strong internships, professional networks, or graduate school plans—but they require more intentional career planning than pre-professional majors. Given the earnings uncertainty here, you need concrete answers about what graduates from *this* program specifically are doing and whether the university provides robust career support for interdisciplinary majors.
Where Mercyhurst University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercyhurst University | — | $30,971 | — |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Drexel University | $72,174 | $82,021 | +14% |
| Franklin and Marshall College | $43,593 | $60,796 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mercyhurst UniversityErie | $44,510 | $43,593* | $30,971 | $26,000 | — |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,174* | $82,021 | $25,878 | 0.36 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $43,593* | $60,796 | $19,875 | 0.46 |
 Moravian UniversityBethlehem | $52,000 | $37,824* | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| 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 Mercyhurst University, approximately 30% 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 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.