Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at St. Andrews University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 is actually better than many bachelor's programs manage, but the absolute numbers tell a more sobering story. First-year earnings around $35,000—typical for interdisciplinary studies nationally—mean monthly loan payments of roughly $300 will consume about 10% of take-home pay. With nearly half of St. Andrews students receiving Pell grants, many graduates from this program will likely be managing these payments on tight budgets.

The bigger question is what an interdisciplinary degree from a small North Carolina private college positions you to do. These programs can serve students well when they're strategic complements to internships, networks, or clear career plans. But without that intentionality, they risk being expensive generalist credentials in a job market that increasingly rewards specialization. North Carolina's median debt for similar programs runs higher at $32,000, suggesting St. Andrews may offer relative value among state options—though we're working with limited visibility here since actual outcomes aren't reported.

Before committing, families should scrutinize the career support infrastructure and alumni outcomes specific to this program. Can the school point to concrete examples of recent graduates landing jobs that justify the investment? If the answers feel vague or the post-graduation plan relies heavily on "figuring it out later," consider whether in-state public options might deliver similar credentials at lower cost—or whether a more focused major would better position your student for their first job.