Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Notre Dame College

A $38,000 starting salary might sound modest, but for an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree, it lands right at Ohio's median for this field—suggesting Notre Dame's program performs comparably to peers across the state, including larger public universities. The estimated $25,878 in debt, based on patterns at similar private colleges, translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, which sits comfortably in manageable territory. For context, the national median debt for this degree type is nearly identical at $25,495, though Ohio programs typically see slightly higher borrowing at $27,836.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is its breadth—these programs can prepare students for diverse careers in education, social services, or business, but first-year earnings often depend heavily on which path graduates choose and whether they pursue specific certifications or further credentials. With nearly 40% of Notre Dame students receiving Pell grants, many families here are balancing affordability against opportunity, and this debt load won't force crushing monthly payments on a sub-$40,000 salary.

The real question is what your student plans to do with this degree. If it's a stepping stone to graduate school or a credential required for a specific career trajectory they're already committed to, the numbers work. If it's a default choice without a clear next step, comparable programs at Ohio's public universities might offer similar outcomes with less debt risk.