Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Montclair State University

While Montclair State's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program starts modestly with first-year earnings of $33,686—placing it in just the 27th percentile nationally—the trajectory tells a more encouraging story. Graduates see impressive 65% earnings growth by year four, reaching $55,472, which actually exceeds the national 75th percentile for this field. Within New Jersey, this program performs solidly at the 60th percentile, essentially matching the state median despite the program's broad accessibility (87% admission rate).

The debt picture is reasonable at $25,000, creating a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as salaries climb. This represents typical borrowing levels for the field nationally and slightly less than the New Jersey average. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these patterns.

For parents considering this program, the key insight is that patience pays off—while your child may start with below-average earnings, the strong growth trajectory suggests good long-term prospects. The program offers solid value within New Jersey's options, though it won't match the premium outcomes of highly specialized degrees. This makes sense for students who value flexibility and aren't sure of their exact career path, provided they're prepared for a slower financial start.