Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder's interdisciplinary studies program produces graduates earning nearly $50,000 in their first year—well above both the national median of $38,700 and Colorado's state median of $45,200. This places the program in the 81st percentile nationally, though it settles into the middle of the pack (60th percentile) among Colorado options. What's particularly appealing is the debt picture: at under $24,000, graduates carry about $3,500 less debt than the state median and $1,700 less than the national benchmark, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that should be manageable even on entry-level salaries.

The tradeoff here is straightforward. While CU Boulder charges more in tuition than many state schools, the combination of strong earning power and below-average debt delivers tangible value. Your child would be borrowing less than typical for this degree while earning more than most peers right out of the gate. For a program sometimes criticized as unfocused, these numbers suggest Boulder's version provides solid workforce preparation—whether that's through internship networks, the university's reputation with regional employers, or simply attracting capable students who leverage the flexibility well. At 83% admission, it's accessible too, making this a genuine value option rather than a reach school gamble.