Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Portland State University

Portland State's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program starts slowly but builds momentum in ways that matter for long-term career development. First-year earnings of $31,571 lag the national median by nearly $7,000, placing graduates in the bottom fifth nationally. However, the 47% earnings jump by year four brings median pay to $46,317—matching what top-quartile programs deliver nationally and exceeding Southern Oregon's higher-performing start.

The debt picture is genuinely exceptional. At $16,500, graduates carry roughly a third less than the national median and Oregon state average. This creates immediate financial flexibility: you're looking at monthly payments around $180 versus $275+ elsewhere. That low ratio of 0.52 means less than six months of first-year earnings would cover the full debt load—among the best debt positions in the country for any bachelor's program. For a school serving 40% Pell-eligible students, this accessibility matters.

The state percentile ranking (60th among Oregon programs) reveals something important: this program performs right at Oregon's median, not below it. The national comparison looks weak partly because interdisciplinary studies varies wildly by region and institution mission. What you're really getting is a flexible degree from a major urban university with manageable debt and proven earnings growth. If your student needs time to find their direction and can handle a slower financial start, this combination of low debt and strong growth trajectory makes economic sense.