Analysis
The estimated debt load of nearly $26,000 appears manageable against first-year earnings around $40,600—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 that falls within a reasonable range. But here's the caveat parents need to understand: both figures are estimates. The earnings number comes from just three interdisciplinary studies programs in Indiana, and the debt figure is derived from national data for similar private nonprofit institutions. This means we're making educated guesses about what Valparaiso graduates actually earn and owe.
What we do know is that comparable programs in Indiana produce widely varying outcomes—from Purdue Global's $57,000 to DePauw's $27,400. Interdisciplinary studies is a flexible degree that takes on the character of how students design it and what they pursue after graduation, which explains this variation. The estimated earnings here match Indiana's state median exactly, suggesting typical outcomes for the field in this market. The debt estimate, however, runs about $5,500 higher than what Indiana programs typically produce, which could reflect Valparaiso's private school pricing.
For an anxious parent, the reality is this: you're considering a program where the school hasn't reported actual outcomes, likely due to small graduating cohorts. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but without knowing what Valparaiso's specific graduates achieve, you're taking on more uncertainty than with programs that have track records you can verify.
Where Valparaiso University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Valparaiso UniversityValparaiso | $46,588 | $40,588* | — | $25,878* | — |
 Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette | $10,110 | $57,005* | — | $26,000* | 0.46 |
 Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis | $10,449 | $40,588* | — | $14,842* | 0.37 |
 DePauw UniversityGreencastle | $57,070 | $27,414* | — | —* | — |
| 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 Valparaiso University, approximately 26% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.