Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Olivet Nazarene University

Drawing comparisons from peer programs nationally, this bachelor's in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies sits right at the national median—estimated first-year earnings around $35,300 against roughly $26,500 in debt. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, suggesting graduates could theoretically pay off their loans within a year if they dedicated a significant portion of their salary to it. The debt burden here is actually slightly lower than what similar programs typically carry ($26,000 nationally), which works in students' favor.

The challenge lies in what "interdisciplinary studies" actually prepares students to do. This is often a custom-designed major that can lead almost anywhere—from elementary education to nonprofit work to corporate training roles—which means career outcomes vary wildly based on how students shape their coursework. The estimated $35,300 starting salary reflects this broad reality: it's livable but not lucrative, and without the specialized credentials that command higher pay in specific fields.

For families considering Olivet's program, the financial picture appears reasonable if—and this is critical—your student has a clear plan for what they'll do with this degree. The debt load won't be crushing, but the interdisciplinary nature means career direction matters more than the credential itself. Make sure your child can articulate exactly what combination of skills they're building and what specific jobs they're targeting, because this degree type offers flexibility at the cost of obvious career pathways.