Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,664
90th percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$22,800
11% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.45
Manageable
Sample Size
559
Adequate data

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

Texas Tech UniversityOther multi/interdisciplinary studies programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas Tech University$50,664$50,770$22,8000.45
Texas Southern University$57,511$53,527$37,1250.65
University of Houston$56,904$53,107$21,5000.38
University of Houston-Clear Lake$56,645$53,078$20,9040.37
Texas Woman's University$54,038$51,475$21,6680.40
University of North Texas$53,733$53,283$23,5730.44
National Median$38,704—$25,4950.66

Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.