Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Mount St. Mary's University

This liberal arts pathway carries an estimated $26,500 in debt—slightly above what similar interdisciplinary programs nationally report—while first-year earnings from comparable bachelor's programs hover around $35,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 suggests manageable repayment under standard plans, though it assumes earnings trajectory similar to peer institutions.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies degrees is their varied career outcomes. Programs at other schools produce graduates entering fields from education to business to nonprofit work, with earnings spanning a wide range. Mount St. Mary's admits nearly three-quarters of applicants and enrolls a modest share of Pell-eligible students, suggesting families here may have more financial flexibility than at institutions serving higher-need populations. Still, $26,500 in debt on $35,000 first-year earnings means roughly $300 monthly payments—a material budget item for an entry-level salary.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the interdisciplinary approach opens doors or leaves your student without clear career positioning. Since these estimates reflect national patterns rather than Mount St. Mary's specific outcomes, investigate what recent graduates actually do after graduation. If the program serves as preparation for graduate school or connects to strong regional employers, the debt burden becomes more defensible. If it's serving as an undecided major without strategic focus, that same debt looks riskier.