Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Saint Mary

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 suggests manageable borrowing for this program, though both figures are drawn from national peer institutions rather than Saint Mary's actual outcomes. Based on comparable interdisciplinary studies programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $38,700 align closely with the national median, while estimated debt of roughly $26,000 sits just above typical levels for similar bachelor's degrees. Kansas programs in this field cluster near $37,400, so these projections place Saint Mary somewhere around the middle of the pack.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies degrees is that career outcomes depend heavily on how students package their coursework and what skills they emphasize to employers. These programs can prepare graduates for diverse paths—education support, nonprofit work, business operations—but the breadth that makes them flexible can also make them harder to market without clear professional direction. At nearly $26,000 in debt, graduates would face monthly payments around $290 on a standard plan, which takes a meaningful bite from that estimated $38,700 starting salary.

For families considering Saint Mary, the key question is whether your student has a specific career goal that this interdisciplinary program serves better than a more targeted major. Without school-specific data, you're essentially betting on your student's ability to match or exceed what similar programs produce elsewhere. If they're using this degree strategically—perhaps combining it with strong internships or professional certifications—the debt load remains workable. If it's a fallback choice without clear direction, that same debt becomes riskier.