Analysis
Montana State's interdisciplinary bachelor's program lacks specific outcomes data, but comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000 against estimated debt near $26,000. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in reasonable territory—graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary, which is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs. The challenge with interdisciplinary degrees is their breadth cuts both ways: they offer flexibility but lack the clear career pathway of more specialized majors.
The real question is what your student plans to do with this degree. Interdisciplinary programs work best as launching pads for graduate school or when paired with strong internships and networking, since employers often struggle to understand how these majors translate to specific roles. The estimated $35,000 starting salary reflects this uncertainty—it's not terrible for Montana's cost of living, but it's also not commanding premium pay. MSU's high admission rate and moderate academic profile suggest this isn't a highly selective environment that might compensate through prestige or connections.
Given the lack of program-specific data, treat these figures as rough guideposts rather than promises. If your student has a clear plan—using this degree to combine business and environmental science before law school, for example—the flexibility could justify the investment. Without that clarity, more targeted majors typically offer clearer returns and stronger employer recognition for similar debt levels.
Where Montana State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Montana State UniversityBozeman | $8,083 | $35,282* | — | $25,996* | — |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $74,734* | $78,295 | $24,960* | 0.33 |
 Hodges UniversityFort Myers | $15,580 | $60,897* | $39,309 | —* | — |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $60,513* | — | —* | — |
 Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie | $46,140 | $57,906* | $58,631 | $31,142* | 0.54 |
 Park UniversityParkville | $16,400 | $50,454* | — | $23,369* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $35,282* | — | $26,000* | 0.74 |
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, approximately 17% 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 national median of 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.