Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Bachelor's Degree
westoahu.hawaii.eduAnalysis
University of Hawaii-West Oahu's interdisciplinary studies program punches well above its weight class. Starting salaries of $49,464 place graduates in the 86th percentile nationally—nearly $11,000 above what most interdisciplinary studies majors earn elsewhere. With debt of just $17,820 (barely a year's salary), this program offers one of the best value propositions in the field. The 24% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are building real career momentum, not just treading water.
What makes these numbers particularly impressive is the context: UH-West Oahu is an open-access institution serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students. The program demonstrates that accessibility doesn't mean sacrificing outcomes. While the earnings rank at the 60th percentile within Hawaii—meaning there are stronger interdisciplinary programs in-state—the absolute dollar figures remain solid, and the minimal debt burden gives graduates real financial flexibility early in their careers.
For parents worried about the "interdisciplinary studies" label, this data should provide reassurance. The combination of low debt, strong starting salaries, and steady earnings growth suggests the program is preparing students for Hawaii's job market effectively. If your child is considering this field, this represents one of the safer bets nationally.
Where University of Hawaii-West Oahu Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Hawaii-West Oahu graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | $49,464 | $61,234 | +24% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Thomas Edison State University | $88,629 | $95,807 | +8% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $59,105 | $84,867 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Hawaii-West OahuKapolei | $7,584 | $49,464 | $61,234 | $17,820 | 0.36 |
 University of the PacificStockton | $55,340 | $104,803 | $165,593 | $15,500 | 0.15 |
 Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton | $6,638 | $88,629 | $95,807 | $11,474 | 0.13 |
 University of Arkansas GranthamLIttle Rock | $8,280 | $74,432 | $83,184 | $9,625 | 0.13 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,174 | $82,021 | $25,878 | 0.36 |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $59,105 | $84,867 | $19,000 | 0.32 |
| 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 Hawaii-West Oahu, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 92 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.