Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The numbers here tell a challenging story: estimated first-year earnings around $35,300 against $26,500 in debt means graduates would dedicate three-quarters of their first year's income to eliminate their student loans—a burden that likely stretches repayment over many years. While this debt level sits near the national norm for interdisciplinary studies programs, comparable bachelor's degrees in Minnesota typically produce better initial returns. The estimated earnings place graduates barely above what many entry-level positions require, raising questions about whether the credential delivers sufficient career acceleration to justify four years of education and substantial borrowing.

What's particularly concerning is the lack of visibility into this specific program's outcomes. The Department of Education suppresses the data when graduate cohorts are too small to report reliably, so these figures are drawn from national peer programs—not Saint Mary's actual graduates. This means parents are investing based on how similar programs typically perform elsewhere, not on this institution's track record. The 89% admission rate suggests Saint Mary's serves students who may need extra academic support, but without concrete data showing their graduates beat these national averages, you're betting on an unknown.

For families considering this path, the practical reality is stark: at these estimated earnings levels, debt repayment will meaningfully constrain post-graduation choices. Unless Saint Mary's can provide compelling evidence that their interdisciplinary studies graduates significantly outperform these peer-program estimates, families should explore more transparent alternatives with proven earning outcomes.