Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of the Incarnate Word

The estimated $48,000 first-year salary suggests this interdisciplinary program tracks close to what similar Texas programs deliver—landing right at the state median but well above the $38,700 national benchmark. However, with graduation costs estimated at $25,000 based on peer programs at similar private institutions in Texas, you're looking at a debt load that would take roughly six months of gross earnings to repay. That's a manageable ratio, though it's worth noting that top programs in Texas—mostly larger public universities—report graduates earning $54,000 to $58,000, creating a $6,000 to $10,000 annual income gap.

The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is always specificity: employers want to know what you can actually do, and a broad credential doesn't always answer that question. If your student is using this degree as a foundation for graduate school or combining it with strong internships and skill development in a particular area, the flexible curriculum could work. But if they're heading straight to the job market without a clear career narrative, they might struggle to compete against graduates from more focused programs—especially when those graduates from Texas's flagship publics are earning noticeably more right out of the gate.

Given that both the earnings and debt figures here are estimates rather than actual outcomes for UIW graduates, treat this as a rough guide rather than a guarantee. The real value will depend heavily on what your student does with the degree and whether they graduate with debt closer to the $25,000 estimate or significantly higher.