Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at Wichita State University

With similar interdisciplinary bachelor's programs across Kansas typically producing first-year earnings around $37,000-$38,000, Wichita State's estimated outcome falls right in the middle of the pack. The $25,373 in projected debt—roughly two-thirds of first-year earnings—represents a manageable burden if this degree serves as a foundation for specific career goals or graduate study. However, interdisciplinary studies programs are inherently flexible, which means outcomes depend heavily on how students focus their coursework and what career paths they pursue afterward.

The challenge here is predictability. Unlike nursing or engineering, where career trajectories are clearer, interdisciplinary degrees are customizable by design—students combine courses from multiple departments to build unique concentrations. This flexibility can be valuable for learners with specific cross-disciplinary career goals, but it also means the $38,700 earning estimate carries more uncertainty than a program with a defined professional pathway. Some graduates may leverage this degree into roles that significantly exceed these figures, while others may find the broad credential less competitive in specific job markets.

For families considering this route, the key question is whether your student has a clear plan for how this interdisciplinary approach will translate into employment. If it's being used strategically—perhaps to combine business with creative fields, or technology with communication—the debt load appears reasonable. If it's primarily about keeping options open without a defined direction, you're taking on moderate debt for uncertain returns in a credential that employers may not immediately understand.