Analysis
Washington and Lee's highly selective admissions (17% acceptance rate, 1504 average SAT) make this interdisciplinary program's estimated outcomes particularly striking. Peer programs in Virginia suggest first-year earnings around $46,000—right at the state median but notably below what graduates from UVA ($52,000) and Richmond ($49,000) report. For a school competing with these institutions for top students, that gap matters, especially when paired with estimated debt of nearly $30,000.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 sits in manageable territory, and comparable Virginia programs suggest graduates can handle the payments. However, interdisciplinary studies programs vary enormously in what they prepare students to do. At an elite liberal arts school like Washington and Lee, these degrees often serve as foundations for graduate school or family connections into careers—paths where first-year earnings tell an incomplete story. If your child plans to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, though, the estimated $46,000 starting point may feel modest given the caliber of school and the debt load.
The key question is whether this interdisciplinary program positions graduates for the career your child wants. At Washington and Lee's price point and with only 11% of students on Pell grants, many families likely aren't making decisions purely on first-year salary projections. But if return on investment matters to you, demand specifics about career outcomes before committing.
Where Washington and Lee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Washington and Lee UniversityLexington | $64,525 | $46,359* | — | $29,688* | — |
 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 Washington and Lee University, approximately 11% 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.