Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas Tech University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Texas Tech University graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 90th percentile of all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (55 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University | $50,664 | $50,770 | $22,800 | 0.45 |
| Texas Southern University | $57,511 | $53,527 | $37,125 | 0.65 |
| University of Houston | $56,904 | $53,107 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $56,645 | $53,078 | $20,904 | 0.37 |
| Texas Woman's University | $54,038 | $51,475 | $21,668 | 0.40 |
| University of North Texas | $53,733 | $53,283 | $23,573 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $38,704 | — | $25,495 | 0.66 |
Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Southern University Houston | $9,173 | $57,511 | $37,125 |
| University of Houston Houston | $9,711 | $56,904 | $21,500 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $56,645 | $20,904 |
| Texas Woman's University Denton | $8,648 | $54,038 | $21,668 |
| University of North Texas Denton | $11,164 | $53,733 | $23,573 |
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.