Analysis
The estimated debt load of roughly $16,000 for this bachelor's program compares favorably to what other California public universities report—about $2,000 below the state median—though the earnings picture based on comparable programs suggests modest financial returns. At around $40,000 in first-year earnings, peer interdisciplinary studies programs in California cluster near the lower end of bachelor's-level outcomes, with notable exceptions like UC Berkeley and UCLA graduates earning closer to $45,000-$46,000.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 indicates that similar programs produce manageable debt relative to income, though it's worth noting that interdisciplinary studies degrees can lead to varied career paths depending heavily on coursework emphasis and individual networking. The broad nature of these programs means graduates often need additional credentials or specific job experience to compete for higher-paying positions. Sonoma State's high admission rate and significant Pell grant population suggest strong access, but the estimated earnings gap between this program and top California peers—some interdisciplinary graduates earn double—points to meaningful variation in outcomes across institutions.
For parents considering this investment, the lower debt burden is reassuring, but the estimated earnings suggest your child may face several years of modest income before significant salary growth. If they're using this degree as a foundation for graduate school or have a clear career strategy that leverages interdisciplinary coursework, it could work. Without that plan, more specialized programs at comparable schools might offer clearer pathways to stronger initial earnings.
Where Sonoma State University 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park | $8,190 | $40,433* | — | $15,862* | — |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803* | $165,593 | $15,500* | 0.15 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $46,154* | $65,593 | $15,000* | 0.32 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $45,490* | $38,755 | $18,196* | 0.40 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $45,461* | $76,643 | $14,500* | 0.32 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $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 Sonoma State University, approximately 36% 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.