Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

A Bachelor's in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from South Dakota School of Mines carries an estimated $25,400 in debt against first-year earnings near $38,700—figures drawn from national medians since this program's graduate cohort is too small for the DOE to publish outcomes. That 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within a manageable range, but the challenge here is that "interdisciplinary studies" degrees vary wildly in their focus and career preparation. At a technical institution known for engineering and applied sciences, this degree could serve students pursuing unique cross-disciplinary paths—or it might simply be a fallback option without the strong industry connections that Mines' core programs enjoy.

The uncertainty cuts both ways. If this program combines technical coursework with business, environmental science, or project management in ways that appeal to regional employers, those baseline earnings could climb quickly. But interdisciplinary studies degrees nationally produce inconsistent results precisely because their value depends so heavily on how intentionally they're structured and marketed to employers. Without school-specific outcomes to verify which scenario applies here, you're essentially betting that Mines' reputation in technical fields extends to this less-defined credential. Before committing, get concrete answers about what students actually study, where recent graduates have landed jobs, and whether the degree opens doors or leaves your child explaining their major in every interview.