Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Mount Saint Mary College

Borrowing $26,500 to earn what similar interdisciplinary programs in New York suggest—around $40,000 in the first year—puts Mount Saint Mary College's graduates in roughly average territory for debt burden nationally. That 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio means this program requires about eight months of gross first-year income to cover the debt load, which is manageable but not exceptional. By year four, earnings climb to $44,278, a modest increase that suggests steady but unspectacular income growth in the interdisciplinary field.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is its broad scope makes outcomes highly variable depending on career path. When we look at other New York programs with reported data, the spread is significant—from Marist's nearly $58,000 to Paul Smith's $33,000. Mount Saint Mary College's estimated outcomes land in the middle of this pack, essentially matching the state median. That's neither particularly strong nor weak, but parents should recognize that "interdisciplinary" often means the student's specific focus area and career strategy matter more than the degree itself.

The practical takeaway: if your child has a clear plan for how they'll apply this flexible degree—perhaps combining it with internships, a minor in a more specialized field, or graduate school—the debt level won't be crushing. But if they're choosing interdisciplinary studies because they're uncertain about direction, the estimated outcomes suggest you'll want that clarity to emerge early.