Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests manageable borrowing for this interdisciplinary bachelor's—but that assessment rests entirely on estimates drawn from peer programs across Texas, not actual outcomes for Southwestern Adventist graduates. The $48,381 first-year earnings figure comes from the state median for similar programs, while the $25,071 debt estimate reflects what comparable private institutions in Texas typically report. The actual numbers for this specific program remain unknown due to small graduate cohorts.
What we can say is that similar interdisciplinary programs in Texas cluster around these figures, putting estimated outcomes right at the state median. That places this program well ahead of the $38,704 national benchmark for the field, though trailing the stronger Texas programs by $5,000-$9,000 in first-year earnings. The 0.52 debt ratio falls within workable territory—roughly six months of gross income to repay—assuming the estimates hold true.
The uncertainty here matters more than usual because interdisciplinary studies degrees vary enormously in curriculum focus and career preparation. Without knowing which specific pathways Southwestern Adventist emphasizes or how their graduates actually fare, you're making decisions in a data vacuum. If your student is considering this program, get specific about the concentration areas offered, talk to recent alumni about their job search experiences, and understand that the financial picture could look better or worse than these peer-based projections suggest.
Where Southwestern Adventist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southwestern Adventist UniversityKeene | $24,588 | $48,381* | — | $25,071* | — |
 Texas Southern UniversityHouston | $9,173 | $57,511* | $53,527 | $37,125* | 0.65 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $56,904* | $53,107 | $21,500* | 0.38 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $56,645* | $53,078 | $20,904* | 0.37 |
 Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | $8,648 | $54,038* | $51,475 | $21,668* | 0.40 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $53,733* | $53,283 | $23,573* | 0.44 |
| 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 Southwestern Adventist University, approximately 39% 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 39 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.