Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Montana State University Billings
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Montana State University Billings graduates from this interdisciplinary program earn significantly more than their peers nationwide—nearly $17,000 above the national median—placing them in the 95th percentile. That's exceptional performance, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data. The $34,680 in debt is higher than the national norm, but the 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio is quite manageable, meaning graduates earn back their entire debt load in roughly 7-8 months.
What's harder to interpret is the state context: this program sits at the 60th percentile among Montana's five interdisciplinary studies programs, suggesting there's variation in how these degrees perform locally. The relatively high starting salary of nearly $56,000 may reflect specific career paths or employer relationships unique to this cohort. For parents, the key question is whether their child's intended career path aligns with whatever's driving these strong outcomes, since interdisciplinary degrees can lead to vastly different fields.
With such a small graduating class, treat these numbers as encouraging but not guaranteed. The strong earnings performance relative to the national benchmark suggests value, but prospective students should dig into where recent graduates actually landed jobs to see if those paths match their goals.
Where Montana State University Billings Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Montana State University Billings graduates compare to all programs nationally
Montana State University Billings graduates earn $56k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Montana
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Montana (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University Billings | $55,918 | — | $34,680 | 0.62 |
| 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 Montana State University Billings, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.