Analysis
UT Martin's interdisciplinary studies program produces graduates earning roughly $5,000 less than the Tennessee median and $6,000 below the national average for this degree—placing it in the 40th percentile statewide. While the debt load of $29,750 seems manageable at first glance (just 91% of first-year earnings), that calculation reveals the real problem: graduates start at only $32,674 annually, well below what peers earn at schools like MTSU or Belmont. Four years out, earnings creep up just 6% to $34,781, suggesting limited career advancement potential.
The program does have one redeeming quality: its debt levels rank in the 13th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with even more loans. For context, the state median debt for this degree is $23,250, so UT Martin students are borrowing about $6,500 more than their Tennessee counterparts—but at least they're avoiding the truly excessive debt seen at many institutions nationwide.
Parents should weigh this program against the concrete alternatives. If your student can access MTSU, they'd graduate with similar debt but earn $5,600 more annually. The modest starting salary here means every dollar of student loan payment will feel heavier. This program might work for students with significant scholarship support or clear career paths where the interdisciplinary credential specifically matters, but it's not a strong value proposition at sticker price.
Where The University of Tennessee-Martin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Tennessee-Martin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Martin | $32,674 | $34,781 | +6% |
| Vanderbilt University | $37,276 | $60,205 | +62% |
| Belmont University | $37,264 | $47,428 | +27% |
| University of Memphis | $37,229 | $39,408 | +6% |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $38,272 | $38,553 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin | $10,208 | $32,674 | $34,781 | $29,750 | 0.91 |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $38,272 | $38,553 | $26,000 | 0.68 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $37,276 | $60,205 | $12,000 | 0.32 |
 Belmont UniversityNashville | $41,320 | $37,264 | $47,428 | $20,500 | 0.55 |
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $37,229 | $39,408 | $30,430 | 0.82 |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $23,404 | $37,520 | $20,500 | 0.88 |
| 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 The University of Tennessee-Martin, approximately 34% 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.