Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Washburn University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 sits in reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, but the challenge here is uncertainty. Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—a modest starting point that would require careful budgeting to manage the estimated $26,000 in debt. With 284 schools offering this multidisciplinary degree nationwide, the value proposition depends heavily on what specific skills and career pathways Washburn's particular curriculum develops, details that aggregate data simply can't capture.

The interdisciplinary nature of this degree makes outcomes especially variable. Some graduates leverage these programs into specific professional fields where they thrive; others find the broad focus leaves them competing against more specialized candidates. Without reported outcomes from Washburn itself or comparable Kansas programs, you're essentially betting on your student's ability to translate this degree into a clear career direction. The relatively affordable estimated debt helps—this isn't a financial disaster in the making—but first-year earnings at this level typically climb slowly unless the graduate lands in a specific sector where their particular skill combination proves valuable.

If your child has a clear plan for how they'll use this degree—perhaps combining it with internships, a minor, or graduate school—the numbers are workable. If they're still exploring, consider whether a more defined major might offer clearer earnings pathways, even if similarly priced.