Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,282
Est. from national median (55 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,500
Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies sits at a tricky crossroads: it's flexible enough to appeal to students with varied interests, but that same breadth can make it harder to command strong starting salaries. Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,300, with estimated debt of $26,500—a 0.75 ratio that's manageable but requires careful budgeting. What's worth noting here is that this estimate slightly exceeds Kentucky's typical outcomes for this field, where the state median hovers near $29,500. That gap might reflect differences in curriculum emphasis or regional employment patterns, but without school-specific data, it's difficult to pinpoint why.

Union Commonwealth serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (51%), and students with more financial need often face tighter margins when debt loads approach three-quarters of starting income. The estimated $26,500 in debt isn't alarming on its face, but it assumes graduation without additional borrowing and consistent employment after completion—neither of which is guaranteed. Interdisciplinary degrees can lead to diverse career paths, which is both their strength and their challenge: outcomes depend heavily on how students leverage internships, networks, and ancillary skills.

The honest takeaway? These estimates suggest outcomes roughly in line with national norms but above Kentucky's baseline, which offers some reassurance. Still, without verified school-specific data, families should treat these figures as directional rather than definitive and plan for a tight first few years post-graduation.

Where Union Commonwealth University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Union Commonwealth UniversityBarbourville$30,946$35,282*$26,500*
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$29,529*$26,000*0.88
National Median$35,282*$26,000*0.74
* Estimated from similar programs
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 Union Commonwealth University, approximately 51% 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 national median of 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.