Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Merrimack College

Is a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies worth $26,000 in debt when the specific outcomes from Merrimack aren't publicly available? Based on what similar programs across Massachusetts produce, this looks like a reasonable middle-of-the-road investment, though not a standout. With estimated first-year earnings around $41,600—right at the state median—and debt that's slightly below the typical $26,000 for comparable Massachusetts programs, graduates would be looking at manageable monthly payments relative to their starting salary.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests loan payments would consume a meaningful but not overwhelming portion of early-career income. Programs at nearby schools like BU and Brandeis report considerably higher earnings ($54,000-$52,000), but those institutions serve different student populations and likely have different program focuses under the broad "interdisciplinary studies" umbrella. What matters more is that peer programs in Massachusetts consistently produce earnings sufficient to service this level of debt without extreme financial strain.

The uncertainty here is real—we're working from state medians, not Merrimack-specific outcomes—but the fundamentals look solid enough if your child has a clear plan for what they'll do with an interdisciplinary degree. This credential's value depends heavily on what students build around it: internships, networks, and focused career preparation matter more than for professionally-oriented majors. If those pieces are in place, the estimated financial picture shouldn't be the dealbreaker.