Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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.