Analysis
UTA's interdisciplinary studies program outperforms nearly 90% of similar programs nationally, though the picture in Texas is more nuanced. Graduates earn nearly $50,000 their first year—about $11,000 above the national median—while carrying just $19,500 in debt. That debt load is exceptional: only 15% of interdisciplinary programs nationwide leave students with less debt. The 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face roughly five months of first-year salary in total debt, making this highly manageable compared to most bachelor's programs.
Within Texas, UTA lands around the middle of the pack for interdisciplinary studies earnings, trailing flagship options like UT and programs at Texas Southern or University of Houston by $4,000-$8,000 annually. However, the debt advantage remains—most Texas programs carry substantially higher loan burdens. For a school with an 81% admission rate serving a large Pell-eligible population (40%), these outcomes represent strong value. The program demonstrates solid stability with 6% earnings growth over four years, suggesting graduates find reasonable career traction.
For families weighing cost against outcomes, this program delivers a practical path to the mid-$50,000s by year four without the debt burden that often accompanies interdisciplinary degrees. It's not the highest-earning option in Texas, but the combination of accessibility, manageable debt, and above-average earnings makes it a sensible choice for students seeking flexibility in their studies without compromising financial security.
Where The University of Texas at Arlington Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas at Arlington 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 Texas at Arlington | $49,748 | $52,618 | +6% |
| 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)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $49,748 | $52,618 | $19,500 | 0.39 |
 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 The University of Texas at Arlington, approximately 40% 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 181 graduates with reported earnings and 143 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.