Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Midwestern State University

Midwestern State's interdisciplinary studies program delivers a puzzling outcome: graduates earn well above the national median for this degree ($43,667 versus $38,704), yet trail significantly behind other Texas programs in the same field. Among the 55 schools offering this major in Texas, this one falls below the state median of $48,381—that's roughly $4,700 less annually than the typical in-state option. Meanwhile, top Texas programs like Texas Southern and University of Houston place graduates earning $13,000 to $14,000 more per year, and none of these figures show growth over the four-year window.

The debt load here ($27,375) sits slightly above both state and national medians, though it's manageable at 0.63 times first-year earnings. The real concern is opportunity cost: Texas families looking at this program should understand their student would likely earn more with the same degree from UT-Austin, UNT, or even regional alternatives. For a highly accessible program—87% admission rate, serving many Pell-eligible students—flat earnings progression suggests graduates may be hitting their ceiling quickly.

If your student is set on Midwestern State for location or other reasons, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But if they're choosing primarily based on post-graduation earnings, exploring other Texas public universities offering interdisciplinary studies would likely yield better returns on the same investment of time and tuition dollars.