Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Is a bachelor's degree that leaves you with $26,831 in debt and first-year earnings around $35,000 a smart choice? For Sacred Heart's interdisciplinary studies program, where we're working with estimates based on 55 similar programs nationwide, that's the core question. The debt load sits right at the national median for this field, but the earnings-to-debt ratio of 0.76 means graduates are looking at debt equal to about nine months of their first-year income—manageable but not comfortable.
What makes this harder to assess is that interdisciplinary studies is inherently varied—students design their own academic paths, which means outcomes depend heavily on what they actually study and how they market those skills. Peer programs suggest earnings that hover around $35,000 initially, which is modest for a private university degree. At Sacred Heart's price point, families need to ask whether this flexibility-focused credential will translate into clear career pathways or whether it risks leaving graduates with debt and no obvious professional direction.
The practical concern here: without specific program data from Sacred Heart itself, you're betting on your child being strategic about course selection and career planning. If they can articulate a clear professional goal and use the interdisciplinary structure to build marketable skills, the debt level is workable. If this program becomes a default choice without direction, that $27,000 debt could feel much heavier than the numbers suggest.
Where Sacred Heart 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
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield | $48,460 | $35,282* | — | $26,831 | — |
 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 |
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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 Sacred Heart University, approximately 15% 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.