Analysis
The numbers here are stark: graduates earn $23,631 in their first year while carrying $35,576 in debt—a ratio that would take more than 18 months of gross income just to pay off the principal. This ranks in the bottom 5% of interdisciplinary studies programs nationally for both earnings and debt burden, a combination that should concern any parent reviewing this option.
Even within Georgia, where this program performs slightly better (25th percentile), Savannah State graduates still earn about $4,200 less than the state median and take on nearly $11,000 more debt than typical in-state peers. College of Coastal Georgia's similar program, for instance, yields 36% higher first-year earnings. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this degree to provide economic mobility, but starting at under $24,000 makes building financial stability extremely difficult.
The core issue isn't the interdisciplinary approach—it's the execution at this institution. Before committing, families should investigate whether this degree leads to specific career paths at Savannah State or if graduates struggle to translate the broad curriculum into employment. If your child is drawn to this program, push for concrete data on job placement rates and where recent graduates are actually working. Otherwise, explore more affordable pathways or institutions with stronger employment outcomes in this field.
Where Savannah State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Savannah State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Savannah State UniversitySavannah | $5,498 | $23,631 | — | $35,576 | 1.51 |
 College of Coastal GeorgiaBrunswick | $3,483 | $32,049 | — | $24,725 | 0.77 |
| National Median | — | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
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 Savannah State University, approximately 65% 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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 63 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.