Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 suggests a manageable financial picture—at least based on what peer programs nationally produce. The estimated $26,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $35,000 falls within conventional guidelines for sustainable repayment, though it's worth noting that these figures come from similar interdisciplinary bachelor's programs elsewhere rather than UNM's actual graduate outcomes.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is that outcomes vary dramatically depending on how students focus their coursework and what careers they pursue. National data shows a wide spread—the top quarter of programs produce earnings above $40,000 while others lag considerably. Without program-specific data from UNM, it's difficult to know where this particular program falls in that range. The university's high admission rate and modest test scores suggest it serves a broad student population, and with over a third of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters here.

If your child has a clear career direction that aligns with the interdisciplinary approach—perhaps combining business skills with social sciences, or technology with humanities—the flexibility could be valuable. But given the lack of specific outcome data and the broad nature of the degree itself, you'll want concrete answers from UNM about where recent graduates have landed jobs and what concentrations lead to stronger employment outcomes. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable risk, but they're educated guesses rather than a track record.