Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

University of Washington-Seattle's interdisciplinary studies program graduates earn $39,715 in their first year—surpassing the national median by over $4,400 and landing in the 72nd percentile nationally. Within Washington state, this program sits squarely at the median, matching UW-Tacoma's outcomes and slightly ahead of Eastern Washington. What's more striking is the debt picture: graduates leave with just $15,215 in loans, less than a third of what's typical nationally and well below Washington's $24,402 state median. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38, meaning the entire debt load equals about four months of first-year salary.

Earnings grow to $47,295 by year four—a solid 19% increase—though this still lags behind what some UW graduates in more specialized fields might command. The interdisciplinary nature of the program likely means career paths vary widely, from non-profit work to business roles, which explains both the moderate starting point and the steady upward trajectory.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. Still, combining UW's strong regional reputation with unusually low debt creates a financial foundation that gives graduates room to explore different career directions without the pressure of overwhelming loan payments. For families prioritizing affordable access to a respected degree, this setup makes sense.