Analysis
Minnesota State Moorhead graduates with bachelor's degrees in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies enter a field where earnings vary considerably across institutions. Based on comparable programs in Minnesota, first-year earnings around $42,000 suggest this degree launches graduates into the middle of the pack—roughly on par with state medians but well below what students at Minnesota-Crookston achieve ($54,656). By year four, earnings climb to $47,708, which edges above the national 75th percentile for this field ($46,383), indicating solid mid-career momentum even if the starting point is modest.
The debt picture here is actually unusually favorable: $34,069 places this program at the 5th national percentile for borrowing, meaning 95% of similar programs nationwide saddle students with more debt. That's genuinely low, especially given that similar programs in Minnesota typically involve $30,000 in debt and the national median exceeds $25,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means students borrow less than one year's income, a threshold most financial advisors consider manageable.
For families evaluating this program, the value proposition hinges on whether the interdisciplinary nature aligns with specific career goals. The earnings trajectory is respectable but not remarkable—this isn't a path to rapid financial gains. However, the contained debt load means graduates won't spend years digging out from under loan payments, which matters more than many parents realize when choosing between similar programs.
Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | — | $47,708 | — |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $42,339 | $56,840 | +34% |
| University of Minnesota-Crookston | $54,656 | $54,593 | -0% |
| Metropolitan State University | $49,751 | $52,538 | +6% |
| Saint Cloud State University | $42,192 | $44,070 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead | $10,336 | $42,192* | $47,708 | $34,069 | — |
 University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston | $13,120 | $54,656* | $54,593 | $31,000 | 0.57 |
 Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul | $9,780 | $49,751* | $52,538 | $35,110 | 0.71 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $42,339* | $56,840 | $20,500 | 0.48 |
 Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud | $10,117 | $42,192* | $44,070 | $28,551 | 0.68 |
 Winona State UniversityWinona | $10,498 | $40,406* | $43,717 | $29,750 | 0.74 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495 | 0.66 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Minnesota State University Moorhead, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.