Analysis
Trinity's interdisciplinary bachelor's program carries an estimated $25,071 in debt—about median for Texas—but the earnings picture based on similar programs across the state is more complicated. At roughly $48,000 in first-year earnings, peer programs suggest outcomes that fall near the national 75th percentile for this major, positioning this field reasonably well compared to interdisciplinary programs nationwide. However, looking within Texas itself reveals a different story: the state's top-performing programs in this field regularly produce $54,000 to $57,000 in early earnings, suggesting that program design and institutional resources significantly impact outcomes.
The 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable programs indicates manageable borrowing if those estimates hold, but Trinity's 28% admission rate and 1407 average SAT score suggest this is a highly selective institution where students might reasonably expect outcomes above the state median used for these estimates. That creates real uncertainty: will Trinity's selectivity and academic profile translate to earnings that justify the investment, or does the interdisciplinary nature of this major mean outcomes cluster closer to typical programs regardless of institutional prestige?
Given that both earnings and debt figures are estimates from peer programs, not Trinity's actual graduate outcomes, families should recognize they're making decisions with limited visibility. The best-case scenario puts this on par with stronger Texas programs; the baseline scenario suggests debt that's manageable but unremarkable returns for a selective private university.
Where Trinity University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Trinity UniversitySan Antonio | $51,352 | $48,381* | — | $25,071* | — |
 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 Trinity University, approximately 16% 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 39 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.