Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

With just a handful of graduates in the dataset, these numbers require careful interpretation, but the pattern they reveal isn't encouraging. At $31,360 initially, graduates earn slightly above Arkansas's state median for this degree—landing at the 60th percentile locally—but well below the $35,979 national benchmark. More troubling is the trajectory: earnings drop to $28,097 by year four, a 10% decline that leaves graduates making less than when they started. The manageable $9,125 debt load offers some consolation, keeping payments reasonable even as income stalls.

The interdisciplinary nature of this associate's degree may explain both the modest starting point and downward trend. Without specialized skills that command premium wages, graduates often find themselves competing for general administrative or service roles where advancement proves limited. Other Arkansas schools show what's possible—Black River Technical College's graduates earn $43,056 in this program—suggesting that either curriculum design or local job networks make a significant difference in outcomes.

For families considering this path, the low debt provides a safety net, but the earning potential remains concerning even by associate's degree standards. If your student has a clear career plan that this interdisciplinary degree supports, it might work. Otherwise, exploring more focused technical programs at other Arkansas community colleges would likely deliver better returns on the same investment of time and tuition.