Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor's Degree
utrgv.eduAnalysis
UT Rio Grande Valley's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program offers solid debt management but disappointing earnings potential within Texas. While graduates carry just $15,465 in debt—far below both the national ($25,495) and state ($24,038) medians—their $41,757 starting salary falls well short of the Texas median of $48,381 for this field. This places the program in the 40th percentile statewide, meaning 60% of similar Texas programs produce higher-earning graduates.
The debt picture provides some reassurance. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates face manageable loan payments, and the low debt burden reflects the university's accessibility mission (64% of students receive Pell grants). Earnings do grow to $47,900 by year four, representing solid 15% growth, though this still trails the state median significantly.
For families considering this program, the tradeoff is clear: minimal debt versus below-average earning potential in Texas. Given that competitors like University of Houston and Texas Southern produce graduates earning $15,000+ more annually, parents should weigh whether the debt savings justify the substantial earnings gap. This program works best for students prioritizing affordability over income maximization, but families with stronger academic credentials might find better value at higher-performing Texas institutions.
Where The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 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 Rio Grande Valley | $41,757 | $47,900 | +15% |
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg | $9,859 | $41,757 | $47,900 | $15,465 | 0.37 |
 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 Rio Grande Valley, approximately 64% 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 513 graduates with reported earnings and 468 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.