Analysis
With nearly $40,000 in debt but starting earnings under $32,000, University of West Alabama's interdisciplinary studies program saddles graduates with debt loads far exceeding what peers typically face—both nationally and across Alabama. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.25 means you're borrowing more than a year's salary, and that $39,700 debt burden ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with less debt). While first-year earnings actually sit slightly above Alabama's median for this degree, that modest advantage doesn't justify the debt difference when schools like Troy University deliver better earnings ($34,238) presumably at lower cost.
The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the core problem is clear: borrowing $40,000 for a degree that starts you at $31,786 creates immediate financial strain. Even with 12% earnings growth to nearly $36,000 by year four, monthly student loan payments will consume a disproportionate share of take-home pay. For Alabama families, this matters because in-state students at Auburn or Alabama might access interdisciplinary programs with better debt-to-earnings dynamics.
If your child is set on this path at UWA, aggressively minimize borrowing through scholarships, work-study, or starting at a community college. At these debt levels, every thousand dollars borrowed matters significantly.
Where University of West Alabama Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama | $31,786 | $35,717 | +12% |
| University of the Pacific | $104,803 | $165,593 | +58% |
| Yale University | $45,769 | $104,899 | +129% |
| Thomas Edison State University | $88,629 | $95,807 | +8% |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $59,105 | $84,867 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of West AlabamaLivingston | $10,990 | $31,786 | $35,717 | $39,700 | 1.25 |
 Troy UniversityTroy | $9,792 | $34,238 | — | $25,000 | 0.73 |
 University of North AlabamaFlorence | $11,990 | $30,633 | — | $31,000 | 1.01 |
 Alabama State UniversityMontgomery | $11,248 | $27,978 | — | $26,000 | 0.93 |
| 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 West Alabama, approximately 54% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.