Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas A & M International University

The 40% earnings jump from year one to year four tells an important story here, but parents need to understand the starting point is extremely low. At $30,657 initially, graduates begin well below both the national median ($38,704) and far behind the Texas median ($48,381). This program ranks in just the 10th percentile among Texas interdisciplinary studies programs—meaning 90% of similar programs in the state deliver better early earnings.

The concerning geographic context matters because Texas A&M International serves Laredo's unique border economy, where wage scales differ significantly from major Texas metros. While graduates from University of Houston earn $56,904 and UT Austin interdisciplinary studies majors likely earn even more, TAMIU graduates start nearly $20,000 behind despite reasonable debt loads ($18,238). Even after four years of growth, the $42,784 median remains below what graduates at top Texas programs earn immediately after graduation.

For families considering this program, understand that the "fast riser" trajectory still leaves graduates trailing the state median throughout their early careers. If your child plans to stay in the Laredo area, these earnings may align with local costs of living. But if they hope to relocate to Houston, Dallas, or Austin after graduation, they'll face a significant earnings gap compared to peers from other Texas institutions. The low debt is genuinely helpful, but it doesn't offset starting $18,000 behind the state average.