Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Paul Quinn College

Paul Quinn College serves a predominantly low-income student population—70% receive Pell grants—and similar programs at the school suggest graduates carry about $30,000 in debt. That's a significant burden when interdisciplinary studies programs across Texas typically produce first-year earnings around $27,000 to $31,000. The estimated national median of $35,000 offers some hope, but even at that level, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 means nearly a full year's salary goes toward educational costs.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies degrees is that their value depends heavily on what skills and experiences students build during college—internships, specific coursework emphasis, and professional networks matter enormously. At Paul Quinn, students are completing a bachelor's degree at a school with a 34% admission rate, which signals accessibility but doesn't guarantee the career connections that can make a broad degree translate into solid employment. Peer programs in Texas show a wide range, from Baylor's $30,687 to Wiley's $24,629, suggesting outcomes vary considerably by institution.

For families considering this program, the $30,000 debt estimate against uncertain earnings potential creates real financial risk. If your child has a clear career path where this degree serves as a credential requirement or if they're leveraging Paul Quinn's connections to Dallas employers, that changes the calculation. Without those specifics, you're looking at significant debt for a degree whose market value remains unclear.