Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Montana

A bachelor's degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies typically positions graduates near the national median—comparable programs produce first-year earnings around $38,700 with debt close to $25,400. However, Montana tells a different story. The University of Montana-Missoula's peer program, Montana State Billings, reports actual earnings of nearly $56,000 for this same degree, suggesting the in-state labor market rewards these graduates substantially better than the national average. If this pattern holds at UM, the debt burden becomes quite manageable; if UM graduates track closer to national figures, there's a notable gap.

The 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio based on national comparables looks reasonable on paper—you'd expect to carry debt equivalent to about eight months of salary. But that Montana state median of $55,918 raises questions about what drives the difference. Is it the Missoula economy versus Billings? Program structure? Alumni networks? Without actual outcome data for UM's program specifically, it's impossible to know where these graduates land on that spectrum.

Given the uncertainty, focus on what the program actually teaches and where graduates work. If the interdisciplinary degree leads to clear career paths in Montana industries that pay well, it could match the state median. If it's more exploratory without strong employer connections, expect outcomes closer to that $38,700 national figure—which would make the investment shakier.