Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State's interdisciplinary studies graduates earn notably more than peers at most programs—outpacing 87% of similar programs nationally and landing 28% above the national median. That's strong performance for an open-access institution where 44% of students receive Pell grants. However, Minnesota families should note that within the state, this program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing Minnesota-Crookston by about $5,000 annually.

The trade-off comes in the debt picture. At $35,110, graduates carry significantly more debt than both the state median ($30,038) and national median ($25,495) for this degree. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 isn't alarming, but it means graduates will need roughly nine months of gross earnings to cover their loans. Earnings do grow modestly—about 6% by year four—though the $52,538 figure still trails the top Minnesota programs.

For students who need Metropolitan State's flexibility (many attend part-time while working), these numbers show the degree delivers decent earning power despite higher borrowing costs. But families comparing Minnesota options should recognize you're paying a premium in debt for outcomes that, while solid nationally, rank in the middle of the pack within the state.