Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst's interdisciplinary studies program charges less debt than most competitors while delivering earnings that outpace 80% of similar programs nationwide. At $47,762 in first-year earnings and just $29,309 in median debt, graduates face manageable payments—that 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly seven months of salary covers the full debt load. Within Massachusetts, this program ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack (60th percentile), trailing private schools like Boston University and Brandeis but beating several options that cost significantly more.

The concerning detail is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($46,113) than they do fresh out of college. This slight decline suggests these interdisciplinary degrees may not lead to clear career advancement paths in the way more specialized programs do. However, starting nearly $9,000 above the national median for these programs provides a cushion that many graduates at other schools don't enjoy.

For families worried about return on investment, this program offers a relatively low-risk entry point—debt is modest, initial earnings are solid, and the UMass brand carries weight in New England. Just recognize that this isn't a degree with obvious upward momentum, so your child should have specific plans for leveraging the interdisciplinary background into a defined career path rather than expecting the credential alone to drive earnings growth.