Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Alaska Fairbanks

The small sample size here demands caution, but UAF's interdisciplinary studies program shows some positive signals worth noting. Graduates face higher debt than typical for this field—$33,469 versus a $25,495 national median—yet the debt load remains manageable at 86% of first-year earnings. Starting pay of $39,103 edges slightly above the national median and places graduates at the 60th percentile among Alaska's limited options for this degree.

Here's the practical reality: interdisciplinary studies programs typically offer flexibility rather than vocational training, and this one appears no different. The earnings trajectory and career paths aren't captured in this data, which matters significantly for a degree that often serves as a foundation for graduate school or diverse career options. The relatively low number of Pell recipients (22%) suggests this may attract students with additional financial resources to draw upon.

With fewer than 30 graduates in the data set, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. If your student is considering this path, the key question isn't whether these specific numbers hold up—it's whether the interdisciplinary approach aligns with a clear post-graduation plan that justifies the above-average borrowing. Without that clarity, the debt becomes harder to rationalize given the modest starting salaries typical of this field.