Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans program starts below both state and national benchmarks—about $1,400 under Louisiana's median and $5,000 behind the national average—but makes up substantial ground over time. That 29% earnings jump to $43,260 by year four brings graduates much closer to competitive territory, though still trailing top performers like Northwestern State by $10,000.

Within Louisiana's landscape of 11 schools offering this degree, UNO sits at the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a state where interdisciplinary studies programs generally underperform the national market. The debt load of $26,402 is reasonable at 0.78 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates can realistically manage payments even during those leaner initial years. For families prioritizing in-state tuition at a moderately selective university (67% acceptance), this creates an accessible path without crushing financial burden.

The real question is whether this trajectory justifies choosing an interdisciplinary degree over more specialized programs that might command stronger starting salaries. If your student has clear career plans where this flexibility serves a purpose—perhaps combining fields in ways that employers value—the manageable debt and steady growth could work. But if they're choosing this path without direction, that below-average starting salary in an already soft-earning field deserves a serious conversation before signing enrollment forms.