Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of California-Riverside

UC Riverside's interdisciplinary bachelor's program sits right at the state median for earnings, with similar programs across California suggesting first-year earnings around $40,400. That estimate closely matches the national benchmark of $38,700, suggesting this program delivers fairly typical outcomes for its field. The estimated debt load of roughly $15,900 is notably lower than both the state median ($17,264) and especially the national median ($25,495), giving graduates what appears to be manageable debt service on modest starting salaries.

However, the wide range among UC Riverside's peer institutions is striking—interdisciplinary programs at UCLA and UC Berkeley produce graduates earning around $45,000-$46,000 in their first year, while one program (University of the Pacific) shows dramatically higher outcomes at over $104,000. This variation suggests that what students actually study within an "interdisciplinary" framework matters enormously, as does the prestige and location of the institution.

For families investing in a UC education, the key question is whether this program positions graduates similarly to UCR's more defined majors. With 47% of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters here. The debt-to-earnings ratio appears reasonable based on peer programs, but without knowing this program's specific focus areas or career outcomes, it's difficult to assess whether it matches the value of UCR's traditional degree paths. Understanding what students actually concentrate in within this interdisciplinary structure would help clarify the return on investment.