Analysis
A debt load just above $25,000 for a bachelor's degree that peers in Tennessee typically earn around $37,000 from sounds manageable on paper, but the context matters here. Interdisciplinary studies programs are broad by design, which can make them valuable for students with clear career plans but risky for those still figuring things out. Based on comparable Tennessee programs, this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means your child would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—not crushing, but not trivial either, especially when nearly half of Tusculum's students qualify for Pell grants and may have limited financial cushion.
The estimated earnings align closely with what other Tennessee schools report for this major, suggesting Tusculum likely delivers comparable value to state peers. What's worth noting is that even top-tier programs like Vanderbilt produce similar first-year earnings in this field, which tells you this major doesn't command premium wages early on regardless of the institution. The national picture mirrors Tennessee's: this isn't a high-earning credential anywhere.
The real question is what your child plans to do with this degree. If it's paired with a clear professional goal, internships, or serves as preparation for graduate school, the financial picture is workable. If it's a default choice without direction, that $26,000 debt could become harder to justify when entry-level opportunities don't materialize quickly.
Where Tusculum 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tusculum UniversityGreeneville | $28,500 | $37,247* | — | $25,878* | — |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $38,272* | $38,553 | $26,000* | 0.68 |
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $37,276* | $60,205 | $12,000* | 0.32 |
 Belmont UniversityNashville | $41,320 | $37,264* | $47,428 | $20,500* | 0.55 |
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $37,229* | $39,408 | $30,430* | 0.82 |
 The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin | $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 Tusculum University, approximately 45% 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.