Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's interdisciplinary studies program starts strong but then stalls, with graduates earning $44,064 initially before seeing earnings slip slightly to $43,424 by year four. That's roughly $5,000 above the national median for these programs and places graduates in the 67th percentile nationally—a meaningful premium. Among North Dakota's three schools offering this major, NDSU sits at the median for both earnings and debt, making it a solid middle-of-the-pack choice within the state.

The $21,500 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, which means graduates can reasonably expect to handle their payments on these salaries. However, the combination of flat earnings growth and relatively modest starting pay means this isn't a program positioning graduates for rapid income advancement. These numbers suggest early-career stability rather than upward trajectory.

For families, this comes down to expectations. If your student needs a flexible degree that keeps debt reasonable and delivers earnings above the national average for interdisciplinary studies, NDSU accomplishes that. But if the goal is a credential that opens doors to significantly higher earnings or strong income growth, this program's four-year trajectory suggests looking elsewhere—perhaps toward more specialized majors that typically show clearer career pathways.