Analysis
New York Institute of Technology's interdisciplinary studies program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but that position looks more favorable through a New York lens. At $34,859 in first-year earnings, graduates start below the national median but notably above the state median of $32,652—ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 38 programs. With $25,058 in typical debt (matching the state average), this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in less than a year of gross earnings.
The modest 6% earnings growth to $36,818 by year four isn't spectacular, but interdisciplinary studies programs rarely deliver explosive salary trajectories—they're typically stepping stones to diverse career paths or graduate school. What matters more here is the starting position: among comparable New York programs, this program outperforms household names like Binghamton and Long Island University while staying within striking distance of higher-ranked options like Stony Brook.
The critical caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, which means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For a family comfortable with moderate debt and focused on keeping costs reasonable while staying in New York, this program delivers middle-tier outcomes at a middle-tier price. Just recognize you're investing in flexibility rather than specialized earning power.
Where New York Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How New York Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Institute of Technology | $34,859 | $36,818 | +6% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Binghamton University | $26,700 | $64,005 | +140% |
| Stony Brook University | $32,855 | $47,129 | +43% |
| Long Island University | $21,549 | $39,867 | +85% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New York Institute of TechnologyOld Westbury | $44,360 | $34,859 | $36,818 | $25,058 | 0.72 |
 Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs | $7,630 | $41,424 | — | $27,708 | 0.67 |
 Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook | $10,560 | $32,855 | $47,129 | $24,000 | 0.73 |
 Culinary Institute of AmericaHyde Park | $38,410 | $32,450 | — | $23,250 | 0.72 |
 Binghamton UniversityVestal | $10,363 | $26,700 | $64,005 | $21,667 | 0.81 |
 Long Island UniversityBrookville | $41,642 | $21,549 | $39,867 | $21,000 | 0.97 |
| 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 New York Institute of Technology, approximately 44% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.