Compare 5 Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $35,227. Top programs: $41,492+.
With top graduates earning $41,492, Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $6K—and across all 5 ranked programs, outcomes swing from $24,035 to $41,492, proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Biola University leads with Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates earning $41,492—well above the $35,227 average across all ranked programs. North Central University in Minneapolis follows at $39,407, demonstrating that smaller, less-recognized institutions can deliver stronger program-level outcomes than their overall reputations suggest. The numbers reward program-focused research, not name recognition.
Earnings are only part of the picture—debt burden shapes the real return. Biola University graduates carry $23,875 in student debt, translating to a 17.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' tier. For families factoring in parent loans, North Central University carries a combined debt of $40,652 with a 35.2% family burden—a reminder that who finances the degree changes the financial calculus entirely. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $41,492
Strong outcomes ($41,492) with 74% acceptance rate
17.3% payment burden | Manageable (12–18% of discretionary)
35.2% family burden | High burden (over 25% of discretionary)
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Biola UniversityPrivate | $41,492 | 17 | $23,875 | Manageable | $50,726 | High |
| #2 | North Central UniversityPrivate | $39,407 | 7 | $23,200 | Challenging | $17,452 | High |
| #3 | Ithaca CollegePrivate | $37,208 | 5 | — | — | — | — |
| #4 | Macalester CollegePrivate | $33,993 | 14 | — | — | — | — |
| #5 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | $24,035 | 8 | — | — | — | — |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
