Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 typically signals manageable student loans, and this program appears to hit that mark—though the figures come from comparable interdisciplinary studies programs across Texas rather than tracked outcomes from Texas Southmost specifically. Based on peer programs in the state, graduates might expect first-year earnings around $48,000 against roughly $24,000 in debt, putting this program right at the Texas median for this field.
What's harder to assess is the earnings trajectory. While similar programs suggest strong initial placement, the four-year earnings figure of $45,000 (one of the few actual data points available) sits below the estimated starting salary, raising questions about whether this particular degree leads to steady advancement. The top interdisciplinary programs in Texas—at schools like University of Houston and Texas Southern—report first-year earnings above $56,000, suggesting that program quality and institutional resources can significantly affect outcomes in this broad field.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated debt load appears reasonable if the earnings projections hold true. However, the lack of program-specific data makes it difficult to know whether Texas Southmost's curriculum and career support deliver results comparable to state peers. Before committing, you'd want to understand what disciplines this program actually combines, what careers past graduates have pursued, and whether the school provides the internships and networking that help interdisciplinary graduates translate broad skills into concrete job opportunities.
Where Texas Southmost College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Southmost College | — | $45,389 | — |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,148 | $48,381* | $45,389 | $23,632* | — | |
| $9,173 | $57,511* | $53,527 | $37,125* | 0.65 | |
| $9,711 | $56,904* | $53,107 | $21,500* | 0.38 | |
| $7,746 | $56,645* | $53,078 | $20,904* | 0.37 | |
| $8,648 | $54,038* | $51,475 | $21,668* | 0.40 | |
| $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 Southmost College, approximately 31% 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 39 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.