Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at Washington University in St Louis

Washington University charges elite-school tuition but peer programs in multi-/interdisciplinary studies suggest first-year earnings around $35,000—notably below the $50,000 median for similar Missouri programs. With an estimated $26,500 in debt, that 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but the context matters: you're considering one of the country's most selective universities (12% admission rate, 1530 average SAT) for a degree whose national outcomes don't distinguish graduates from far less competitive institutions.

The gap between WashU's academic prestige and the estimated earnings trajectory here is stark. Park University graduates in this field—at a school with open admission—reportedly earn $50,000 in their first year, significantly more than what comparable interdisciplinary programs typically produce. That suggests the credential itself, not the institution's brand, may be driving outcomes in this field. For a family paying WashU prices (and potentially taking on more debt than these estimates reflect, given the school's cost of attendance), that's a concerning disconnect.

If your child is set on WashU for other reasons—specific faculty, research opportunities, the overall academic environment—this major might work as part of a broader strategy, particularly if it's paired with career-focused experiences or leads to graduate school. But as a standalone investment, the estimated returns don't align with what you'd expect from such a competitive institution.