Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt graduates start slower than you'd expect from a school this selective, but the trajectory tells a different story. That $37,276 first-year salary trails the national median for interdisciplinary studies programs, placing this in the 43rd percentile nationally. However, within four years earnings jump to $60,205—a 62% increase that suggests Vanderbilt's brand and network take time to pay off. Among Tennessee's interdisciplinary programs, graduates here rank in the 60th percentile, performing comparably to Middle Tennessee State and Belmont despite significantly higher admission standards.

The financial picture is genuinely favorable. With just $12,000 in median debt—far below both the national ($25,495) and state ($23,250) medians—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates owe roughly one-third of their first year salary. This is manageable even during that slower-earning initial period. The combination of Vanderbilt's generous financial aid (evident in this low debt figure) and strong mid-career earnings growth creates a relatively low-risk investment.

For a parent, the key question is timing: can your child handle earning below-average wages immediately after graduation while their peers at less selective schools may earn similar or more? If they have family support or can afford to take lower-paying internships or positions that lead somewhere, this program's delayed payoff makes sense. The financial structure itself—minimal debt paired with strong year-four earnings—creates the runway for that patience.