Analysis
Texas A&M-Central Texas delivers something rare in interdisciplinary studies: first-year earnings that beat 92% of similar programs nationwide, paired with debt that's nearly $6,000 below the national median. For families near Fort Hood, this open-access institution produces graduates earning $51,398 right out of college—substantially more than the $38,704 national median and competitive within Texas, though not elite (60th percentile statewide). The debt burden of $19,212 translates to a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than five months of their first year's salary.
The wrinkle: earnings actually drop to $48,928 by year four, a 5% decline that warrants attention. This pattern likely reflects the program's role serving military-connected students who may transition to different career paths or relocate after initial employment. Still, even with this dip, the year-four earnings remain well above the national median, and the low debt keeps the investment sound.
For a family considering this program, the math works clearly: below-average debt, above-average starting salary, and immediate post-graduation employment prospects. The earnings decline suggests this isn't a traditional career-ladder degree, but for students—particularly those with military connections—seeking a flexible bachelor's credential without heavy debt, this program delivers measurable value where many interdisciplinary degrees struggle.
Where Texas A&M University-Central Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-Central Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University-Central Texas | $51,398 | $48,928 | -5% |
| Texas Southern University | $57,511 | $53,527 | -7% |
| University of North Texas | $53,733 | $53,283 | -1% |
| University of Houston-Downtown | $49,734 | $53,235 | +7% |
| University of Houston | $56,904 | $53,107 | -7% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen | $6,627 | $51,398 | $48,928 | $19,212 | 0.37 |
 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 Texas A&M University-Central Texas, approximately 48% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 50 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.