Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Michigan State University

Michigan State's interdisciplinary studies program starts graduates at just $26,133—well below both the state median ($34,685) and national median ($38,704) for this degree. That's bottom-5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs nationwide produce better initial outcomes. Even within Michigan, this ranks only 25th percentile, trailing Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, and several smaller schools by substantial margins.

The 64% earnings jump to $42,954 by year four helps close the gap, but that trajectory reveals an important limitation: graduates leave with generalist credentials that require years of workplace experience to translate into competitive salaries. The debt load of $26,130 equals a full year of starting income, meaning graduates face significant financial pressure during those crucial early career years when earnings are lowest. At a selective flagship university with a 1261 average SAT, you'd expect stronger placement outcomes than what amounts to less than $13 per hour initially.

For families paying Michigan State's tuition, this program delivers below-market returns compared to alternatives across the state. If your child needs an interdisciplinary degree, U-M Ann Arbor produces twice the starting salary, and even regional universities like Western Michigan outperform MSU by nearly 50% out of the gate. Unless there's a specific academic reason for this major at MSU, the data suggests looking at more focused programs or different schools entirely.