Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's interdisciplinary studies program sits near the California median in earnings estimates, but that positioning masks some uncertainty about what this flexible degree actually delivers for graduates. Similar programs across California suggest first-year earnings around $40,400—roughly on par with the national benchmark—while estimated debt of about $15,900 remains well below both state and national medians. The 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper.

What's harder to assess is why this program's outcomes appear so modest compared to UC San Diego's overall academic reputation and 25% admission rate. Other UC campuses with reported data—Berkeley, UCLA, and Irvine—show interdisciplinary graduates earning $35,000 to $46,000, suggesting wide variability even within the same public university system. The challenge with interdisciplinary degrees is that career outcomes depend heavily on how students structure their coursework and translate it to employers, making peer program data particularly uncertain as a predictor.

For families considering this path at UC San Diego, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable, but the earnings picture suggests this isn't a program where the school's prestige automatically translates to strong post-graduation outcomes. Before committing, you'll want to understand exactly how your student plans to leverage this degree—what specific skills they're building and which industries they're targeting—since interdisciplinary programs require more individual agency to convert into career success than traditional majors do.