Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Merrimack College

A $26,500 debt load against first-year earnings around $35,000 creates a manageable starting point, with graduates of comparable interdisciplinary programs nationwide carrying similar debt burdens. The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable territory—these graduates would dedicate roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary to paying off loans if they applied everything to debt, which translates to manageable monthly payments under standard repayment plans.

The challenge lies in Massachusetts's higher cost of living and the fact that similar programs in the state typically produce earnings closer to $40,000. That $4,000-5,000 gap matters when you're paying Boston-area rents and expenses. Interdisciplinary studies programs can lead to varied career paths—which offers flexibility but also means outcomes depend heavily on how students leverage the degree and what specific skills they develop alongside it.

For Merrimack's price point at a private college, you're looking at a degree that puts graduates in the workforce at earnings typical for the field nationally, but potentially below what Massachusetts employers pay for similar credentials. The debt is reasonable, but the lack of a clear earnings premium means this investment makes most sense if your child has a specific career plan that benefits from an interdisciplinary approach, or if they're combining this major with internships and networking that open doors the degree alone might not.