Analysis
University of Richmond's interdisciplinary program produces graduates earning nearly $50,000 in their first year—significantly above both the national median ($38,704) and placing them in the 86th percentile nationwide. Within Virginia, though, the picture is less exceptional. At $49,421, graduates earn slightly above the state median but trail top programs like UVA ($52,463) and VCU ($49,111), landing in the 60th percentile statewide. Given Richmond's 23% admission rate and 1474 average SAT, you might expect stronger performance relative to Virginia peers.
The debt load of $24,750 is reasonable—representing about half a year's starting salary and actually below both national and state medians for this degree. Earnings growth of 19% over four years suggests decent career progression, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these figures less reliable than data from larger programs. This cohort represents a very specific slice of Richmond's interdisciplinary graduates, which may not reflect typical outcomes.
For families comfortable with selective private school pricing, this represents a viable path—you're getting above-average national outcomes with manageable debt. But if you're choosing Richmond specifically for an interdisciplinary degree rather than the overall institutional experience, know that several Virginia public universities deliver comparable or better results at lower cost.
Where University of Richmond Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Richmond graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Richmond | $49,421 | $59,003 | +19% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $52,463 | $61,339 | +17% |
| William & Mary | $38,590 | $49,592 | +29% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $49,111 | $46,725 | -5% |
| Old Dominion University | $46,359 | $46,300 | -0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $49,421 | $59,003 | $24,750 | 0.50 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $52,463 | $61,339 | $26,700 | 0.51 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $49,111 | $46,725 | $25,125 | 0.51 |
 Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia Beach | $36,960 | $48,841 | $45,069 | $31,000 | 0.63 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $46,359 | $46,300 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
 Liberty UniversityLynchburg | $21,222 | $42,284 | $46,175 | $28,375 | 0.67 |
| 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 Richmond, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.