Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Washington College

Based on comparable interdisciplinary programs in Maryland, graduates here likely face first-year earnings around $38,000 against debt of $24,000—a manageable ratio of 0.64 that suggests roughly seven months of gross income needed to cover loans. This tracks closely with both state and national medians for interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees, though it's worth noting that peer Maryland programs show a wide range, from just under $31,000 at Salisbury to over $46,000 at Johns Hopkins. The variation matters because interdisciplinary studies programs often serve as vehicles for combining interests or completing degrees, with career outcomes heavily dependent on what students actually study and how they market their unique skill combinations.

The estimated $24,000 debt sits slightly above Maryland's typical $21,000 for similar programs but remains below the national median of $25,500. For a selective-admit private college (66% acceptance, average SAT of 1274), these numbers suggest Washington College isn't dramatically overpricing this degree path compared to state alternatives. However, parents should recognize that interdisciplinary studies degrees require students to articulate a clear narrative about their combined coursework when entering the job market—the credential itself doesn't signal a specific career path the way nursing or accounting would.

With only 21% of students receiving Pell grants, this is primarily serving families who can contribute meaningfully to college costs. If your child can graduate near that $24,000 debt level and has a concrete plan for translating their interdisciplinary focus into employable skills, the financial picture appears workable, though not exceptional.