Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Owensboro Community and Technical College
Associate's Degree
owensboro.kctcs.eduAnalysis
Similar multi-disciplinary associate programs in Kentucky typically start graduates around $39,900 in their first year, with an estimated debt load of about $13,000—a manageable 0.33 ratio that suggests the credential won't be financially overwhelming. What's more encouraging is the four-year earnings figure of $51,267, which represents actual reported data and shows meaningful income growth over time. This trajectory puts Owensboro CTC's program in a reasonable position among Kentucky's community colleges, though notably below top performers like Bluegrass CTC where graduates average $48,307.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is their generalist nature—they open doors but don't necessarily lead to specific career paths. That $39,900 starting estimate aligns with Kentucky's state median for these programs but trails the higher-earning options available at peer institutions. For families, this matters because the program's value depends heavily on what your student does with it: whether they use it as a transfer foundation, pair it with work experience, or leverage it for a specific local opportunity.
Given the relatively low debt burden and the documented earnings growth by year four, this program works best as a strategic stepping stone rather than a destination degree. If your student has a clear plan—transferring to complete a bachelor's, entering a field where an associate's opens doors, or already working in a job where this credential unlocks advancement—the numbers support moving forward.
Where Owensboro Community and Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro Community and Technical College | — | $51,267 | — |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $48,307 | $50,784 | +5% |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | $39,918 | $41,307 | +3% |
| Ashland Community and Technical College | $29,638 | $35,690 | +20% |
| Maysville Community and Technical College | $42,718 | $29,597 | -31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,656 | $39,918* | $51,267 | $13,023* | — | |
| $4,706 | $48,307* | $50,784 | $13,077* | 0.27 | |
| $4,656 | $42,718* | $29,597 | $14,078* | 0.33 | |
| $4,706 | $42,549* | $29,085 | $15,503* | 0.36 | |
| $4,656 | $39,918* | $41,307 | $10,000* | 0.25 | |
| $4,656 | $31,643* | $25,058 | $13,023* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $35,979* | — | $13,023* | 0.36 |
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 Owensboro Community and Technical College, approximately 30% 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 7 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.