Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Utah State University

Utah State's interdisciplinary studies program produces graduates earning slightly above the state median, ranking in the 60th percentile among Utah programs—but that's where the good news ends. At nearly $40,000 annually, graduates out-earn peers at Southern Utah and Utah Tech. However, earnings remain essentially flat between years one and four, while the debt load of $21,932 sits higher than the state average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 is manageable on paper, but only if you accept that your child's earning power likely won't grow much beyond that first-year figure.

The program's broad, flexible nature may explain both its appeal and its limitations. While interdisciplinary degrees can work for students with clear career plans who need customization, the stagnant earnings suggest many graduates struggle to translate their degree into advancing careers. Compare this to more structured programs where skills compound over time. The 94% admission rate and reasonable in-state tuition at Utah State keep costs contained, which matters when post-graduation income shows no upward trajectory.

If your child needs this flexibility for a specific career path they've already mapped out, the numbers aren't catastrophic. But if they're choosing interdisciplinary studies because they're undecided, consider whether a more defined major might offer better earnings growth. Flat income for the first four years can make it harder to pay down debt and build financial security, even when the initial debt burden seems reasonable.