Analysis
Touro University's interdisciplinary studies program significantly outperforms both state and national expectations while keeping debt remarkably low—a combination that deserves attention from cost-conscious families. At $41,692 in first-year earnings, graduates exceed the New York state median by nearly $1,500 and land in the 80th percentile nationally. More importantly, they're carrying just $16,417 in debt, roughly a third of what students at comparable New York programs typically owe. That 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically handle their payments even on entry-level salaries.
The earnings trajectory shows solid growth, reaching $48,591 by year four—a 17% increase that suggests graduates are gaining valuable workplace experience rather than hitting a ceiling. While Touro doesn't match elite performers like Marist's $58k outcomes, it delivers middle-class earnings with minimal financial burden. For interdisciplinary studies, a field often criticized for vague career prospects, these numbers indicate Touro has built genuine employer connections or effectively prepares students for diverse professional paths.
The real selling point here is risk management. Your child graduates with debt they can pay off in roughly five years while earning competitively for the field. Given that interdisciplinary programs at many schools leave students with higher debt and lower earnings, Touro's combination of above-median outcomes and below-average borrowing makes this a financially sensible option worth serious consideration.
Where Touro University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Touro University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touro University | $41,692 | $48,591 | +17% |
| Lehigh University | $74,734 | $78,295 | +5% |
| Marist University | $57,906 | $58,631 | +1% |
| CUNY York College | $38,718 | $56,159 | +45% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | $37,183 | $52,604 | +41% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,810 | $41,692 | $48,591 | $16,417 | 0.39 | |
| $46,140 | $57,906 | $58,631 | $31,142 | 0.54 | |
| $7,358 | $38,718 | $56,159 | — | — | |
| $32,049 | $33,333 | — | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $35,282 | — | $26,000 | 0.74 |
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 Touro University, approximately 32% 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 124 graduates with reported earnings and 151 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.