Analysis
Four years after graduation, students from this program earn $37,163—a figure that barely inches above where similar Maryland programs start and actually sits below the national median of $38,704. More concerning, estimated debt of $24,125 means graduates are carrying nearly eight months of earnings in loans for a credential that doesn't appear to gain value with experience.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 looks manageable on paper, but the trajectory tells a different story. While comparable interdisciplinary programs in Maryland typically begin around $37,937, by year four most graduates should be earning more, not less. The fact that this program shows flat or declining earnings suggests either weak career pathways or graduates taking positions that don't value the bachelor's degree. Compare this to Johns Hopkins interdisciplinary graduates earning $46,455 or even Salisbury's $30,895 (presumably with less debt at a public institution), and the value proposition becomes murky.
For a family paying private university tuition at Notre Dame of Maryland, these estimated outcomes warrant serious questions about return on investment. If your child needs an interdisciplinary degree in Maryland, the data suggests other programs deliver better starting positions with similar or lower debt burdens. This might work if Notre Dame offers unique advantages—strong employment networks, specific career support, or academic opportunities unavailable elsewhere—but the numbers alone don't make the case.
Where Notre Dame of Maryland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame of Maryland University | — | $37,163 | — |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Loyola University Maryland | $40,150 | $67,029 | +67% |
| Stevenson University | $35,723 | $42,994 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Notre Dame of Maryland UniversityBaltimore | $41,910 | $37,937* | $37,163 | $24,125* | — |
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $46,455* | — | $13,750* | 0.30 |
 Loyola University MarylandBaltimore | $55,480 | $40,150* | $67,029 | $27,000* | 0.67 |
 Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills | $39,708 | $35,723* | $42,994 | $31,000* | 0.87 |
 Salisbury UniversitySalisbury | $10,638 | $30,895* | — | $17,500* | 0.57 |
| 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 Notre Dame of Maryland University, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.