Analysis
California's interdisciplinary bachelor's programs show a wide earnings spread—from $35,000 to over $100,000—making program selection critical. Based on similar programs at private colleges in the state, San Diego Christian's graduates likely earn around $40,400 their first year and carry roughly $23,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests manageable repayment: about half a year's salary spread over ten years of payments.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is the wildcard nature of career outcomes—these degrees prepare students for multiple paths but don't guarantee entry into any specific field. The estimated earnings here track closely with statewide and national medians, which is neither impressive nor alarming. The debt figure sits above California's typical $17,000 for this degree but well below the national median of $25,500, landing in middle territory for a private college.
Here's what matters: the value proposition depends entirely on what your student does with this flexible degree. The financial foundation appears solid enough—debt won't be crushing—but the degree itself won't open doors the way a specialized credential might. If they're pairing this with internships, clear career planning, or graduate school prep, it could work well. If they're uncertain about direction and hoping the degree alone will create opportunities, that's riskier territory.
Where San Diego Christian College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,300 | $40,433* | — | $22,875* | — | |
| $55,340 | $104,803* | $165,593 | $15,500* | 0.15 | |
| $13,747 | $46,154* | $65,593 | $15,000* | 0.32 | |
| $7,913 | $45,490* | $38,755 | $18,196* | 0.40 | |
| $14,850 | $45,461* | $76,643 | $14,500* | 0.32 | |
| $14,237 | $35,404* | $51,708 | $16,332* | 0.46 | |
| 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 San Diego Christian College, approximately 16% 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 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.