Analysis
A bachelor's degree that costs $26,500 and leads to first-year earnings around $35,000 creates a manageable debt burden, particularly when three-quarters of students qualify for Pell grants. Similar interdisciplinary studies programs nationwide cluster around these same figures, suggesting Voorhees sits squarely in the middle of what these degrees typically deliver. The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls well within reasonable territory—not spectacular, but not alarming either.
The caveat here is that South Carolina's market for interdisciplinary studies graduates appears softer than the national picture. The state median of just $21,574 suggests regional employers may not value these credentials as highly, though this comes from limited data across only four SC programs. If your child plans to stay in South Carolina after graduation, that $35,000 estimate might prove optimistic. If they're willing to look beyond state lines, the national market offers better prospects.
For a family relying on financial aid at a school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students, this program won't create crushing debt. But interdisciplinary studies is fundamentally a flexible degree—its value depends entirely on what your child does with it. The reasonable debt load buys them time to figure that out, but it won't open doors on its own. Consider whether your child has a clear plan for leveraging this degree or if they'd be better served by a more specialized credential with clearer career pathways.
Where Voorhees University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi-/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,630 | $35,282* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $31,854 | $21,574* | — | $29,116* | 1.35 | |
| National Median | — | $35,282* | — | $26,000* | 0.74 |
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 Voorhees University, approximately 77% 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 national median of 55 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.