Analysis
A bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from St. Mary's College carries an estimated $25,373 in debt—slightly above Maryland's median for this field but typical nationally. Based on comparable programs in Maryland, first-year earnings around $38,000 suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, which is manageable by most standards. By year four, graduates reach $50,031, indicating solid earning progression that outpaces both state and national benchmarks.
The challenge with interdisciplinary programs is their wide variability in outcomes, and that's evident here. While St. Mary's four-year figure suggests strong mid-career potential, peer programs in Maryland span from $31,000 to over $46,000 in early earnings. The lack of actual reported data for this specific program makes it harder to assess where St. Mary's typically falls within that range. What we do know is that graduates appear to improve their earnings substantially between years one and four—a 32% jump that's encouraging.
For families weighing this investment, the debt burden is reasonable if your student has a clear plan for what comes after graduation. Interdisciplinary degrees often require students to articulate their skills and experiences more deliberately to employers than traditional majors do. The four-year earnings suggest St. Mary's graduates find their footing, but starting salaries based on similar Maryland programs won't leave much cushion for aggressive loan repayment.
Where St. Mary's College of Maryland Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's College of Maryland | — | $50,031 | — |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Loyola University Maryland | $40,150 | $67,029 | +67% |
| Stevenson University | $35,723 | $42,994 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 St. Mary's College of MarylandSt. Mary's City | $15,236 | $37,937* | $50,031 | $25,373* | — |
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $46,455* | — | $13,750* | 0.30 |
 Loyola University MarylandBaltimore | $55,480 | $40,150* | $67,029 | $27,000* | 0.67 |
 Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills | $39,708 | $35,723* | $42,994 | $31,000* | 0.87 |
 Salisbury UniversitySalisbury | $10,638 | $30,895* | — | $17,500* | 0.57 |
| 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 St. Mary's College of Maryland, approximately 20% 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 4 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.