Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Central Arkansas

A $20,000 debt load against first-year earnings around $39,000 seems manageable on paper—the 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well below concerning thresholds. However, comparable programs across Arkansas tell a more complicated story. While national programs in multi/interdisciplinary studies typically produce earnings in this $39,000 range, Arkansas programs show median earnings of $56,000—suggesting this estimate may undersell what University of Central Arkansas graduates actually achieve, or that the program sits at the lower end of the state's spectrum.

The wide gap between Arkansas programs is striking: University of Arkansas Grantham's interdisciplinary graduates earn nearly double the national estimate at $74,000, while Arkansas Tech's outcomes align closely with the national figure at $38,000. Where UCA lands in this range matters enormously for payback timelines and career trajectory. The modest estimated debt helps either scenario—unlike many programs where borrowing exceeds $25,000, this load stays contained. For a family evaluating a program at a school that admits 90% of applicants, the key question becomes whether this degree opens doors to the higher-earning opportunities seen elsewhere in Arkansas, or tracks closer to the national baseline. Request actual outcome data from the university before committing, since these estimates can't tell you which trajectory is more realistic.