Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Denver

A University of Denver bachelor's degree comes with selective admission standards (71% acceptance, 1344 SAT average) and a private school price tag, but the estimated outcomes for Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies graduates tell a sobering story. Based on national peer programs, first-year earnings around $38,700 paired with nearly $26,000 in debt create a debt burden equal to two-thirds of annual income—manageable but not impressive given the institution's positioning.

The concern deepens when you look at Colorado alternatives. Similar programs across the state typically produce median earnings of $45,200, suggesting that DU's interdisciplinary students may be earning $6,500 less annually than peers at other Colorado schools. University of Colorado Boulder graduates in this field earn nearly $10,000 more in their first year, while even Metro State—a commuter school with far lower costs—shows stronger estimated earnings. The 15% Pell grant rate indicates DU draws heavily from affluent families, yet this program's estimated outcomes don't reflect the premium you'd expect from that demographic advantage.

If your child is passionate about an interdisciplinary curriculum and DU's specific academic culture, understand that you're paying for the experience rather than the credential's market value. The estimated debt load is reasonable, but the earnings trajectory lags behind both state and institutional peers. Make sure any decision factors in financial aid generosity and your family's ability to absorb costs beyond loans.