Analysis
The estimated $37,247 first-year earnings from peer Tennessee programs land right at the state median for interdisciplinary studies, but the $25,878 in projected debt—drawn from similar private institutions nationally—creates a challenging first-year ratio of 0.69. That means nearly 70% of a typical graduate's first-year salary would go toward their debt balance, a proportion that makes managing payments and other financial obligations difficult even with federal income-driven repayment options.
Similar interdisciplinary programs across Tennessee show remarkably consistent outcomes, clustering tightly between $32,000 and $38,000 regardless of institutional prestige. This suggests the field itself may have natural earnings constraints that aren't overcome by attending more selective schools. The estimated debt figure is notably higher than Tennessee's state median of $23,250, reflecting Trevecca's private university pricing. With 30% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, making that extra $2,600-plus in borrowing meaningful.
The lack of reported data for this specific program means these estimates carry real uncertainty—actual outcomes could be better or worse depending on factors like curriculum focus, internship connections, and the types of jobs graduates pursue. For families considering this program, requesting placement data directly from Trevecca and understanding exactly what careers their interdisciplinary graduates enter would help clarify whether the estimated debt load makes sense for their student's specific goals.
Where Trevecca Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,790 | $37,247* | — | $25,878* | — | |
| $9,506 | $38,272* | $38,553 | $26,000* | 0.68 | |
| $63,946 | $37,276* | $60,205 | $12,000* | 0.32 | |
| $41,320 | $37,264* | $47,428 | $20,500* | 0.55 | |
| $10,344 | $37,229* | $39,408 | $30,430* | 0.82 | |
| $10,208 | $32,674* | $34,781 | $29,750* | 0.91 | |
| 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 Trevecca Nazarene University, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.