Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of California-Davis

A UC Davis bachelor's degree that leaves graduates with around $16,000 in debt represents a manageable financial burden by any measure—less than half the national median for this field and well below most private university debt loads. Based on comparable interdisciplinary programs across California, first-year earnings around $40,400 align closely with both state and national benchmarks for this degree type, suggesting UC Davis delivers typical outcomes for the credential.

What's worth noting is the wide variance among California's interdisciplinary programs. Some UC campuses with reported data show graduates earning $45,000-$46,000 in their first year, while University of the Pacific's unusually high figure of $104,803 likely reflects a very specific program focus rather than a typical outcome. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates would dedicate roughly five months of their first-year salary to debt repayment—financially sustainable by most standards, even if earnings don't immediately climb.

The real question for your family isn't whether the math works—it does—but whether an interdisciplinary degree aligns with your student's career direction. These programs often serve as foundations for graduate school or careers where UC Davis's network and reputation matter more than the specific major. If your student has a clear path forward, the reasonable debt load gives them flexibility to pursue it.