Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Nicholls State University

Nicholls State's interdisciplinary studies program produces starting salaries nearly $7,500 below Louisiana's median for this degree—landing at the 40th percentile statewide and just the 17th percentile nationally. While the $27,000 debt load matches Louisiana's average, it's protecting graduates from borrowing more for underwhelming outcomes. The real concern is the absolute earning level: $31,195 fresh out of college barely exceeds what many jobs require without a degree at all.

The 21% earnings growth to $37,721 by year four helps close the gap but still leaves graduates trailing both state and national benchmarks. Northwestern State's graduates in the same field earn $53,442—demonstrating that location and institutional resources matter significantly even within Louisiana. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 isn't alarming on paper, but it reflects modest borrowing for modest returns rather than a genuine value proposition.

For Louisiana families, this program sits squarely in the middle of the pack statewide but well below what similar degrees deliver elsewhere. If interdisciplinary studies is the path forward, understanding why this program underperforms comparable Louisiana options—and whether the specific coursework aligns with a clear career plan—becomes essential before committing four years and $27,000 in debt.