Analysis
Sam Houston State University's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program stands out nationally, ranking in the 95th percentile for graduate earnings with first-year salaries of $52,792—36% higher than the national median of $38,704. This puts SHSU graduates well ahead of most peers nationwide, though within Texas the program performs more modestly at the 60th percentile among state competitors.
The debt picture is reasonable at $27,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 that's better than most programs nationally. However, graduates should be aware that earnings actually decline slightly over time, dropping to $50,048 by year four—a concerning pattern that suggests limited advancement opportunities in this field, even from a strong starting position.
While SHSU delivers impressive initial outcomes compared to national standards, Texas parents should note that several in-state alternatives offer higher earning potential, including Texas Southern and University of Houston. The program provides solid value for students seeking broad interdisciplinary training, but the earnings decline over time means graduates may need to be strategic about career pivots or additional specialization to maintain income growth.
Where Sam Houston State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Sam Houston State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University | $52,792 | $50,048 | -5% |
| Texas Southern University | $57,511 | $53,527 | -7% |
| University of North Texas | $53,733 | $53,283 | -1% |
| University of Houston-Downtown | $49,734 | $53,235 | +7% |
| University of Houston | $56,904 | $53,107 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $52,792 | $50,048 | $27,000 | 0.51 |
 Texas Southern UniversityHouston | $9,173 | $57,511 | $53,527 | $37,125 | 0.65 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $56,904 | $53,107 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $56,645 | $53,078 | $20,904 | 0.37 |
 Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | $8,648 | $54,038 | $51,475 | $21,668 | 0.40 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $53,733 | $53,283 | $23,573 | 0.44 |
| 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 Sam Houston State University, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 457 graduates with reported earnings and 520 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.