Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies programs across Colorado show substantial earnings variation, with similar programs typically producing first-year salaries around $45,000 statewide—roughly $6,000 more than what national peer data suggests for this program. While the projected debt burden of roughly $25,000 is manageable (requiring about eight months of gross income to repay), the gap between this program's estimated outcomes and those at CU Boulder or even Metro State is worth examining closely. By year four, earnings climb to $42,000, but that's still below where comparable Colorado programs start.

The debt-to-earnings ratio itself isn't alarming—0.66 means your child wouldn't be overleveraged. However, interdisciplinary degrees derive their value largely from how well the school helps students articulate their combined skillset to employers, and the weaker-than-state-average earnings trajectory here suggests either a curriculum that doesn't translate well to the job market or a career services gap. Without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on whether UC Denver's interdisciplinary approach will buck the trend shown in the estimates.

Given Colorado's competitive market for these degrees and the availability of stronger-performing programs nearby, treat this as a yellow flag rather than a green light. If your child chooses this path, they'll need a clear career narrative and likely some targeted internships to close that earnings gap with peer institutions.