Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies at West Virginia University

A bachelor's in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies typically produces modest early earnings, and the estimated figures here—$35,282 in first-year income against roughly $26,000 in debt—track closely with the national median for this field. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, meaning your child would owe about nine months' salary. The challenge lies in what this degree actually prepares students to do: interdisciplinary programs by design resist neat career pathways, which can translate to lower starting salaries compared to more specialized degrees.

The real question is what your child plans to do with this credential. Similar programs nationally show consistent but limited early earnings, suggesting graduates often need additional training, certifications, or graduate school to access higher-paying roles. At an 86% admission rate with modest academic thresholds, WU Morgantown draws a wide range of students, which can mean variable support structures and outcomes. The relatively low Pell enrollment (20%) indicates this isn't primarily serving students who most need career acceleration through their first job.

If your child has a clear professional goal that specifically requires an interdisciplinary approach—and they're committed to WU Morgantown for financial or personal reasons—this estimated debt load won't sink them. But if they're choosing this major because they're undecided or want flexibility, push them to identify concrete skills and experiences they'll build during college. Without that intentionality, they risk graduating with both debt and ambiguity about next steps.