Analysis
The $42,000 debt burden here stands out immediately—it's in the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave graduates with less debt. While Virginia State serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (71%), this debt load creates a challenging starting point when similar interdisciplinary programs in Virginia typically graduate students with around $26,700 in debt.
Based on comparable programs across Virginia, first-year earnings hover around $46,359, which puts this on par with state peers but above the national median of $38,704. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates would owe nearly a full year's salary, making the standard 10-year federal loan repayment plan potentially burdensome at roughly $483 monthly. For context, programs at UVA and VCU show stronger earnings, but even at those levels, this debt load would be substantial.
The real concern is whether this particular interdisciplinary program delivers outcomes consistent with state averages or falls short—something the suppressed data prevents us from knowing. Given the debt levels and the relatively modest projected earnings, families should press Virginia State for actual graduate outcomes before committing. If this program's graduates significantly underperform the state median, that $42,000 debt becomes much harder to justify.
Where Virginia State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Virginia State UniversityPetersburg | $9,755 | $46,359* | — | $42,000 | — |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $52,463* | $61,339 | $26,700 | 0.51 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $49,421* | $59,003 | $24,750 | 0.50 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $49,111* | $46,725 | $25,125 | 0.51 |
 Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia Beach | $36,960 | $48,841* | $45,069 | $31,000 | 0.63 |
 Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk | $12,262 | $46,359* | $46,300 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| 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 Virginia State University, approximately 71% 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 9 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.