Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Texas at El Paso
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UTEP's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program delivers strong initial earnings that outperform most national peers, with graduates earning $49,351 in their first year—ranking in the 85th percentile nationally. However, the program sits closer to the middle of the pack within Texas, landing in the 60th percentile among state programs where the median is $48,381.
The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop to $46,850 by year four, a 5% decline that's unusual for bachelor's degree holders. This backward slide means UTEP graduates fall further behind top Texas programs like Texas Southern ($57,511) and University of Houston ($56,904) over time. The manageable debt load of $22,512 helps offset this concern somewhat, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46.
For parents, this program offers solid immediate employment prospects with relatively low financial risk, making it a reasonable choice for students who need to start earning quickly. However, the declining earnings trend suggests graduates may need to pursue additional training or credentials to advance their careers long-term. The program works best for students seeking broad skills and immediate workforce entry rather than a clear professional trajectory.
Where The University of Texas at El Paso 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 The University of Texas at El Paso graduates compare to all programs nationally
The University of Texas at El Paso graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 85th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at El Paso | $49,351 | $46,850 | $22,512 | 0.46 |
| 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 The University of Texas at El Paso, approximately 61% 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 476 graduates with reported earnings and 498 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.