Analysis
A 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable programs nationwide suggests this bachelor's degree won't bury graduates in unmanageable debt, though you're looking at a program whose actual outcomes remain uncertain. The estimated $38,704 first-year salary—drawn from nearly 200 similar interdisciplinary programs nationally—positions graduates well above Kentucky's median of $28,195 for this field. That's the good news. The challenge is that without program-specific data, you're making decisions in the dark about what University of Pikeville's particular version of this degree actually delivers.
The state comparison raises questions worth exploring directly with the school. Eastern Kentucky's reported outcomes show graduates earning that $28,195 figure, suggesting interdisciplinary studies programs in Kentucky may perform differently than the national average used for this estimate. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters here, and the estimated $25,878 debt load is reasonable—but only if the earning potential reflects Kentucky's job market rather than national figures that may not translate locally.
Before committing, get concrete answers from Pikeville about where recent graduates actually work and what they earn. The national benchmarks suggest viability, but Kentucky's lower state median hints this program's value depends heavily on how well the school connects students to opportunities that justify a four-year investment. You need real outcomes, not estimated ones, to make this call confidently.
Where University of Pikeville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of PikevillePikeville | $24,150 | $38,704* | — | $25,878* | — |
 Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond | $10,130 | $28,195* | — | $25,495* | 0.90 |
| National Median | — | $38,704* | — | $25,495* | 0.66 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Pikeville, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 196 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.