Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's interdisciplinary studies program delivers something unusual: first-year earnings that tie with Virginia's median but significantly outpace the national average (75th percentile). With moderate debt of $27,000 and a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically pay down their loans within a few years. The program also outperforms roughly 60% of Virginia competitors, though it trails the state's elite options like UVA and Richmond by about $6,000 annually.

The concerning pattern here is complete earnings stagnation—graduates earn essentially the same amount four years post-graduation as they do immediately after completing the degree. While interdisciplinary studies programs often prepare students for diverse career paths rather than specialized tracks, this flatline suggests limited advancement opportunities or careers with compressed salary trajectories. Compare this to programs where earnings typically grow 15-25% over the same period.

For families weighing this option, the verdict depends on your child's specific career goals. If they're using this degree as a foundation for graduate school, immediate employment with reasonable debt, or fields where credentials matter more than salary growth, the numbers work. But if long-term earning potential is the priority, understand that $46,000 may represent the ceiling rather than the floor. The debt load won't sink them, but the career trajectory appears relatively fixed from day one.