Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of St Francis

Interdisciplinary studies programs in Illinois show dramatic variation, with first-year earnings ranging from $26,000 to over $50,000 depending on the institution. Based on comparable programs in the state, University of St Francis graduates likely earn around $35,300 in their first year—below the national median of $38,700 but in line with the state average. The estimated debt load of $28,200 creates a manageable but not comfortable ratio of 0.80, meaning nearly a full year's salary to repay what's borrowed.

The challenge with interdisciplinary degrees is their flexibility cuts both ways. Without a defined career track, outcomes depend heavily on how students package their coursework and what employers they target. The wide range among Illinois schools—Eastern Illinois grads earning nearly twice what Columbia College Chicago grads make—suggests that factors beyond the degree itself (internships, location, career services, personal networking) matter enormously.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether $28,000 in debt is worth the flexibility this degree offers. If your child has a clear plan for how to leverage an interdisciplinary education—maybe combining business with healthcare or technology with communication—the investment could work. Without that focus, you're betting on their ability to sell themselves in a job market that often prefers specialized credentials. The estimated numbers suggest neither a disaster nor a sure thing.