Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

With estimated first-year earnings of $43,593 against debt of $25,373, Shippensburg's interdisciplinary studies degree appears to track close to state and national norms for this broad field. Based on similar programs in Pennsylvania, graduates typically earn near the state median, which itself exceeds the national benchmark by about $5,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 suggests manageable repayment if those earnings estimates hold—less than one year's salary in debt is generally considered reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is that outcomes can vary dramatically depending on what students actually study and how they package their skills for employers. The $34,000 gap between Drexel's outcomes and the state median reveals how much the specific curriculum, internship networks, and career preparation matter in this flexible degree type. Shippensburg's 86% admission rate and solid Pell grant enrollment indicate it serves a broader population than highly selective peers, which may influence both the rigor of preparation and career networking opportunities.

If your child has a clear plan for what they'll study within this program and how they'll translate it to employers, these financial projections suggest workable risk. Without that plan, you're banking on estimates from peer programs while competing against graduates from more structured majors who can articulate clearer value propositions to hiring managers.