Analysis
A UC degree with manageable debt sounds promising, but the estimated figures here—drawn from comparable interdisciplinary programs across California—reveal a sobering reality. First-year earnings around $40,400 place this program right at the state median, but that's nearly $60,000 behind UC peers like UCLA and Berkeley where similar interdisciplinary graduates actually report earning $46,000 or more. The estimated $15,900 debt load is at least relatively light, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that suggests graduates could realistically manage repayment.
The challenge is understanding what "interdisciplinary studies" means in practice at UC Santa Cruz versus other schools. These programs can prepare students for everything from graduate school to creative industries to nonprofit work—fields where early earnings don't tell the full story. But when peer UC campuses show significantly higher outcomes for similar degrees, it raises questions about whether this particular program provides the same career launching pad, or whether it serves students with different post-graduation paths that don't immediately translate to salary.
Given that both the debt and earnings figures are estimates rather than actual outcomes for UCSC graduates, approach this program cautiously. The numbers suggest it won't be a financial disaster, but if your student is choosing interdisciplinary studies as a strategic move toward a specific career, verify that UCSC's version of this degree actually delivers the connections and credentials needed—especially when other UCs appear to position their graduates more competitively.
Where University of California-Santa Cruz Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $40,433* | — | $15,862* | — |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803* | $165,593 | $15,500* | 0.15 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $46,154* | $65,593 | $15,000* | 0.32 |
 California State Polytechnic University-HumboldtArcata | $7,913 | $45,490* | $38,755 | $18,196* | 0.40 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $45,461* | $76,643 | $14,500* | 0.32 |
 University of California-IrvineIrvine | $14,237 | $35,404* | $51,708 | $16,332* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495* | 0.66 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of California-Santa Cruz, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.