Analysis
Texas Tech's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program delivers strong immediate earnings that significantly outperform national expectations, placing graduates in the 90th percentile nationally with median earnings of $50,664 right after graduation. This represents a substantial $12,000 premium over the national median for this field. However, the program shows concerning stagnation—earnings remain virtually flat at $50,770 four years later, suggesting limited career advancement potential.
Within Texas, the picture is more mixed. While Texas Tech ranks in the 60th percentile among state programs, it trails several competitors including Texas Southern ($57,511) and University of Houston ($56,904). The debt burden of $22,800 is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, though it's higher than both state and national medians. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable.
For parents, this program offers solid immediate financial returns but raises red flags about long-term earning potential. The complete lack of salary growth over four years is unusual and suggests graduates may hit an early career ceiling. If your child values work-life balance and immediate employment, this could work well. However, if maximizing lifetime earnings is the priority, consider programs with stronger growth trajectories or look at higher-performing Texas alternatives like University of Houston.
Where Texas Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech University 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 Tech University | $50,664 | $50,770 | +0% |
| 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 Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $50,664 | $50,770 | $22,800 | 0.45 |
 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 Tech University, approximately 26% 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 559 graduates with reported earnings and 584 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.