Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests this interdisciplinary bachelor's program delivers manageable debt relative to early career income, though both figures are drawn from national peer programs rather than Washburn-specific outcomes. At an estimated $25,400 in debt against first-year earnings around $38,700, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $280 on a standard 10-year plan—about 9% of gross monthly income, which falls within the conventional affordability threshold of 10-15%.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies programs is their variability. These degrees can serve as launching pads for graduate school, strategic customizations for niche career paths, or catch-alls for students piecing together disparate interests. Similar programs nationally produce a wide earnings range, from $38,700 at the median to over $46,000 at the 75th percentile—a $7,700 spread that likely reflects how intentionally students structure their coursework and connect it to employment outcomes. Kansas programs cluster near the lower end of this range, with Newman reporting $37,400.
Before committing, you'll want clarity on what this degree actually prepares students to do. The estimated numbers suggest neither windfall nor disaster, but interdisciplinary programs live or die on execution. Ask Washburn directly: What do recent graduates do for work? Which course combinations lead to the strongest outcomes? Without that program-specific detail, you're investing in flexibility that could cut either way.
Where Washburn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Washburn UniversityTopeka | $9,578 | $38,704* | — | $25,373* | — |
 Newman UniversityWichita | $35,500 | $37,399* | — | —* | — |
| 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 Washburn University, approximately 31% 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 196 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.