Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at New York Institute of Technology

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.