Analysis
Similar interdisciplinary bachelor's programs in Pennsylvania suggest graduates here might earn around $44,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $26,000 in debt—a manageable ratio of 0.60 that puts them in a reasonable position to handle repayment. What's encouraging is that these estimates actually align closely with Pennsylvania's state median for this degree, meaning Wilkes appears positioned in the middle of the pack rather than lagging behind.
The challenge with interdisciplinary studies is interpreting what these numbers really mean for your child. Because small graduate cohorts prevent the Department of Education from publishing actual outcomes, we're working with estimates from peer programs—and interdisciplinary degrees themselves vary enormously in focus and career preparation. Some students use these programs strategically to combine majors for specific career goals; others drift into them without clear direction. The estimated earnings here sit slightly above the $38,700 national median for this field, which suggests reasonable value, but understanding what your child plans to *do* with this degree matters more than the credential itself.
Given Wilkes's 91% acceptance rate and accessible profile, this appears to be an affordable path to a bachelor's degree if your child has a concrete plan for how their interdisciplinary focus connects to employment. The debt load seems reasonable, but the wide earnings variation you see among Pennsylvania programs—from $38,000 to over $72,000—underscores that career outcomes will depend heavily on the specific skills and direction your child develops, not just the diploma.
Where Wilkes University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all multi/interdisciplinary studies bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (45 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wilkes UniversityWilkes-Barre | $42,286 | $43,593* | — | $25,939* | — |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $72,174* | $82,021 | $25,878* | 0.36 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $43,593* | $60,796 | $19,875* | 0.46 |
 Moravian UniversityBethlehem | $52,000 | $37,824* | — | $27,000* | 0.71 |
| 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 Wilkes University, approximately 30% 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 3 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.