Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Regent University

The $37,145 debt load here towers over typical interdisciplinary studies programs—it ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning only 5% of similar programs leave graduates with more debt. That's nearly $12,000 above what students at other Virginia schools typically borrow for this degree, and $11,650 above the national median. When roughly half the student body receives Pell grants, this level of borrowing demands scrutiny.

Based on comparable programs across Virginia, first-year earnings around $46,000 seem reasonable for this field—similar to what graduates earn from Old Dominion and slightly above the national median. The 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable monthly payments, at least initially. But interdisciplinary studies degrees don't typically command premium salaries, and starting with debt this high leaves little margin for career detours or further education that many graduates in this broad field pursue.

The practical issue is straightforward: If peer programs in Virginia produce similar earnings outcomes while requiring $10,000+ less in borrowing, families should understand why this particular program costs substantially more. The debt burden isn't catastrophic, but it's steep for a degree that often serves as a stepping stone rather than a direct career pathway. Unless Regent offers specific value—specialized concentrations, career placement, or networking—that justifies the premium, comparable programs at Virginia's public universities present a stronger financial foundation.