Analysis
Radford's interdisciplinary studies program tracks slightly above the national median but lands squarely in the middle of Virginia's pack—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $39,562. That's about $7,000 below what the typical Virginia graduate in this field earns, and notably trails stronger performers like VCU and ODU. With debt at $25,000 and a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, graduates aren't overleveraged, but they're also not getting the earnings premium that justifies choosing this program over competitors.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth—15% over four years—which suggests graduates find stable footing in the workforce. However, reaching $45,419 by year four still keeps them below where many state peers start. For a relatively accessible school (91% admission rate serving a substantial Pell-eligible population), these outcomes represent neither disaster nor distinction.
The fundamental question is opportunity cost. If your child is Virginia-based and considering interdisciplinary studies, several in-state alternatives deliver meaningfully higher starting salaries for comparable or lower debt. Unless Radford offers specific program elements or campus fit that matter to your family, the numbers suggest looking at schools where this major performs closer to the state's 60th percentile or higher.
Where Radford University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Radford University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radford University | $39,562 | $45,419 | +15% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $52,463 | $61,339 | +17% |
| University of Richmond | $49,421 | $59,003 | +19% |
| William & Mary | $38,590 | $49,592 | +29% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $49,111 | $46,725 | -5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Radford UniversityRadford | $12,286 | $39,562 | $45,419 | $25,000 | 0.63 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $52,463 | $61,339 | $26,700 | 0.51 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $49,421 | $59,003 | $24,750 | 0.50 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $49,111 | $46,725 | $25,125 | 0.51 |
 Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia Beach | $36,960 | $48,841 | $45,069 | $31,000 | 0.63 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $46,359 | $46,300 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| National Median | — | $38,704 | — | $25,495 | 0.66 |
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 Radford University, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 162 graduates with reported earnings and 232 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.