Analysis
A debt load of $22,875 against first-year earnings near $40,000 creates a manageable situation for Mount Saint Mary's interdisciplinary studies graduates—at least based on what peer programs in California suggest. The estimated 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with just over half a year's salary. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, this accessibility matters for families watching every dollar.
What's harder to assess is whether this program positions graduates competitively. The estimated $40,433 first-year salary aligns with California's median for these programs, but that state benchmark itself sits only slightly above the national average. More telling: top interdisciplinary programs in California report outcomes ranging from $35,000 to over $100,000, a span that reflects how much employer perception and program focus can vary within this flexible degree category. Mount Saint Mary's specific outcomes remain unknown due to small graduate cohorts.
The practical reality: you're looking at estimates built from similar programs rather than this school's actual track record. For a degree designed around customization, that lack of specific data makes it difficult to evaluate whether Mount Saint Mary's particular interdisciplinary approach connects students to rewarding careers. The debt appears manageable, but parents should probe what concrete career pathways this program opens and whether graduates actually secure jobs that justify even modest borrowing.
Where Mount Saint Mary's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Mount Saint Mary's UniversityLos Angeles | $48,132 | $40,433* | — | $22,875* | — |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803* | $165,593 | $15,500* | 0.15 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $46,154* | $65,593 | $15,000* | 0.32 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $45,490* | $38,755 | $18,196* | 0.40 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $45,461* | $76,643 | $14,500* | 0.32 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $35,404* | $51,708 | $16,332* | 0.46 |
| 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 Mount Saint Mary's University, approximately 55% 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 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.