Analysis
Based on peer programs across Minnesota, interdisciplinary studies graduates typically earn around $42,000 in their first year—right at the state median for this degree but above the national figure of about $39,000. With estimated debt near $26,000, you're looking at a debt load equal to roughly seven months of earnings, which sits comfortably within conventional affordability guidelines. The challenge with this program isn't the numbers themselves but the limited visibility: when schools have too few graduates to report outcomes separately, it becomes harder to assess what distinguishes one program from another.
Minnesota's interdisciplinary studies programs show considerable variation, with some graduates earning $55,000 while others start at $40,000. This spread reflects the field's nature—these degrees often serve as launching pads for different career paths depending on how students customize their coursework. Saint Mary's smaller cohort sizes (evidenced by the suppressed data) might mean more personalized advising to help students build a marketable combination of skills, but you'll need to dig into placement support and alumni networks to verify whether that individualized attention translates into tangible career outcomes. The estimated debt-to-earnings picture suggests reasonable value if your student has clear career goals that this flexible degree supports, but without program-specific data, you're essentially betting on the broader Minnesota track record rather than this school's proven results.
Where Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,160 | $42,192* | — | $25,878* | — | |
| $13,120 | $54,656* | $54,593 | $31,000* | 0.57 | |
| $9,780 | $49,751* | $52,538 | $35,110* | 0.71 | |
| $16,488 | $42,339* | $56,840 | $20,500* | 0.48 | |
| $10,117 | $42,192* | $44,070 | $28,551* | 0.68 | |
| $10,498 | $40,406* | $43,717 | $29,750* | 0.74 | |
| 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 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, approximately 22% 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 median of 7 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.