Analysis
Texas A&M's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program delivers impressive earnings that place it in the 88th percentile nationally—significantly outperforming the typical graduate in this field who earns around $38,700. At $50,235 in first-year earnings, your child would start nearly $12,000 above the national median for this degree type. The manageable debt load of $20,500 creates a healthy debt-to-income ratio of 0.41, meaning loan payments should be quite affordable.
However, the Texas comparison reveals some important context. While this program excels nationally, it ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools offering this degree, with several state universities delivering higher earnings. The modest 2% earnings growth over four years is also concerning—most degrees show more substantial salary progression early in careers.
The program's strength lies in combining Texas A&M's strong employer relationships with relatively low debt, creating a solid foundation for career entry. For families prioritizing financial stability and the prestige of a flagship university, this represents good value. However, if maximizing earning potential in Texas is the primary goal, exploring the higher-performing programs at Texas Southern ($57,511) or University of Houston ($56,904) might be worth considering, assuming similar debt levels.
Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas A&M University-College Station 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-College Station | $50,235 | $50,964 | +1% |
| 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-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $50,235 | $50,964 | $20,500 | 0.41 |
 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-College Station, approximately 19% 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 1047 graduates with reported earnings and 1115 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.