Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at William & Mary

William & Mary's interdisciplinary studies program presents an unusual contradiction: despite the school's elite reputation (33% admission rate, 1458 average SAT), graduates earn substantially less than students from Virginia's other major universities. At $38,590 in the first year, earnings trail the state median by nearly $8,000 and rank in just the 25th percentile among Virginia programs—below even the state's less selective schools. Meanwhile, Old Dominion, VCU, and University of Richmond all place graduates at $46,000-$52,000, suggesting the William & Mary brand isn't translating to early career premium for this particular major.

The silver lining is strong earnings momentum—graduates see 29% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $50,000—and notably low debt at $18,929, well below both state and national averages. This creates a manageable debt burden that students can reasonably pay down even with modest starting salaries. The program appears designed more for graduate school preparation or civic sector careers than immediate earning power, which may explain both the lower initial earnings and the strong growth trajectory as graduates complete advanced degrees or gain professional experience.

For families prioritizing immediate ROI, this combination of elite admission standards and below-average starting pay should factor heavily into the decision. The debt load won't be crushing, but students are effectively paying William & Mary prices for outcomes that lag behind less prestigious Virginia schools for several years post-graduation.