Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Maryland-Baltimore County

UMBC's Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelor's degree lands right at Maryland's median for the field—peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $38,000. That's workable, but the estimated $25,000 in debt means graduates would start with debt consuming roughly two-thirds of their first-year income. While this debt load sits close to national norms for the major, it's notably higher than Maryland's typical $21,000 for similar programs. For a degree from a selective public university (SAT scores averaging nearly 1300), these estimates suggest earnings that neither significantly outperform nor underperform state peers.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is that outcomes vary dramatically based on what students actually do with the degree. Johns Hopkins graduates in this field earn $46,000—about 23% more than comparable Maryland programs suggest for UMBC—though Hopkins attracts a different applicant pool. More telling is that even Maryland's lower-tier programs in this major show first-year earnings in the $31-36,000 range, meaning the estimated performance here doesn't represent a clear premium for attending UMBC specifically.

Your child needs a concrete plan for what comes after this degree—graduate school, a specific career path, or professional development—because the interdisciplinary credential itself won't command higher starting salaries. Without that clarity, $25,000 in debt for earnings that match the state average represents a significant financial commitment for uncertain returns.