Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The interdisciplinary studies program at Slippery Rock sits right at Pennsylvania's median for earnings, which means half the state's programs do better and half do worse. What's notable here is the trajectory: graduates start at $31,955 but jump to $44,358 by year four—a 39% increase that suggests the broad skill set opens doors over time rather than leading to an immediate payoff.
The debt load of $26,264 is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 in that first year when money is typically tightest. While the program ranks below the national median for this field, Pennsylvania's interdisciplinary programs cluster lower overall—Slippery Rock actually outperforms the state average, landing at the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania schools. The first-year earnings dip compared to the national median ($31,955 vs. $35,282) closes considerably by year four.
For families prioritizing in-state tuition costs, this program delivers solid mid-career growth potential without excessive debt. The strong earnings trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially given that interdisciplinary degrees often require time to translate into specific career paths. Just understand you're banking on that growth curve rather than immediate returns.
Where Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 26th percentile of all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $31,955 | $44,358 | $26,264 | 0.82 |
| Lehigh University | $74,734 | $78,295 | $24,960 | 0.33 |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $30,099 | $34,466 | $25,990 | 0.86 |
| National Median | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
Other Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $74,734 | $24,960 |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville | $12,262 | $30,099 | $25,990 |
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 Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, approximately 28% 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 116 graduates with reported earnings and 144 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.