Analysis
The $26,500 debt burden at Rivier—typical for private institutions offering this degree—buys entry into one of higher education's most flexible but economically uncertain paths. Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000, creating a debt load equal to 75% of that initial salary. While this ratio falls within manageable territory by federal standards, interdisciplinary studies programs vary wildly in what they actually prepare students to do, making these baseline figures somewhat misleading.
The real question isn't whether the numbers pencil out on paper—they barely do—but whether your child has a clear plan for translating this degree into employment. Interdisciplinary studies attracts two types of students: those designing thoughtful, career-focused programs (teaching certification plus education studies, for example) and those deferring career decisions. The former group often exceeds these modest earnings estimates; the latter may struggle to reach them. With 82% of applicants admitted, Rivier isn't highly selective, which means advising quality and program structure matter enormously.
Before committing, insist on seeing a detailed degree plan with specific career outcomes attached to the concentration your child would pursue. If the program feels like a collection of electives rather than a strategic combination of skills, the debt—even at this moderate level—may not be justified.
Where Rivier University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rivier UniversityNashua | $37,791 | $35,282* | — | $26,500* | — |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $74,734* | $78,295 | $24,960* | 0.33 |
 Hodges UniversityFort Myers | $15,580 | $60,897* | $39,309 | —* | — |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $60,513* | — | —* | — |
 Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie | $46,140 | $57,906* | $58,631 | $31,142* | 0.54 |
 Park UniversityParkville | $16,400 | $50,454* | — | $23,369* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $35,282* | — | $26,000* | 0.74 |
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 Rivier University, approximately 27% 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 national median of 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.