Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Based on comparable interdisciplinary programs in Maryland, graduates from this field typically earn around $38,000 in their first year—putting UMES right at the state median. With an estimated $25,373 in debt, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, which falls within manageable territory. The challenge? We're working entirely with estimates here because UMES's graduate sample for this program was too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes.

What we can say is that interdisciplinary studies programs across Maryland show considerable variation, from Johns Hopkins' $46,000 to Salisbury's $31,000. UMES serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (53%), and these estimated figures suggest graduates would face debt payments that, while not negligible, shouldn't overwhelm entry-level salaries. The national benchmark of $38,704 aligns closely with Maryland's typical outcomes, indicating this isn't a regionally depressed field.

The practical reality: you're considering a program where the specific outcomes at this institution remain opaque due to small cohort sizes. The estimates from peer programs suggest a workable financial picture—not spectacular returns, but not a debt trap either. If your child is drawn to this flexible degree path at UMES, the numbers from similar programs don't raise red flags, but make sure they have a clear plan for how they'll leverage an interdisciplinary degree in the job market, since its value often depends heavily on how it's applied.