Compare 52 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $49,364. Top programs: $91,697+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. tells a different story. Across 52 programs, earnings range from $21,574 to $91,697—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The spread of nearly $70K between the bottom and top programs is a clear signal: prestige alone won't predict where you land.
Topping the list, Lehigh University's program delivers $91,697 in median earnings—nearly double the $49,364 average across all 52 ranked programs. But the broader picture is telling: Indiana University-East, a regional public in Richmond, Indiana, produces graduates earning $66,597, outpacing many better-known institutions. Program-level factors, not school name, are driving these outcomes.
Lehigh University leads on student affordability with a 4.4% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments take a minimal bite out of post-grad income on $21,960 in student debt. For families weighing parent loans, Chadron State College is the standout: a 9.9% family burden rated 'Good,' with just $28,910 in combined family debt and $64,738 in graduate earnings.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lehigh UniversityPrivate | $91,697 | 31 | $21,960 | Excellent | $42,245 | Manageable |
| #2 | Marist UniversityPrivate | $67,076 | 10 | $25,000 | Excellent | $51,958 | High |
| #3 | Indiana University-EastPublic | $66,597 | 7 | $18,000 | Excellent | $13,042 | Good |
| #4 | Chadron State CollegePublic | $64,738 | 10 | $18,875 | Excellent | $10,035 | Good |
| #5 | Park UniversityPrivate | $60,509 | 69 | $21,685 | Excellent | $10,875 | Manageable |
| #6 | Mount Saint Mary CollegePrivate | $60,133 | 8 | $26,007 | Good | $46,295 | High |
| #7 | $59,001 | 75 | $20,654 | Excellent | $31,890 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $56,945 | 89 | $22,750 | Good | $48,666 | High | |
| #9 | $56,558 | 13 | $19,500 | Excellent | $17,353 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $56,507 | 95 | $19,500 | Excellent | $17,148 | Manageable | |
| #11 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | $56,036 | 12 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,298 | Challenging |
| #12 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $55,937 | 33 | $22,500 | Good | $30,006 | Challenging |
| #13 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $55,331 | 29 | $21,000 | Good | $43,605 | High |
| #14 | $55,110 | 60 | $20,500 | Good | $21,500 | Challenging | |
| #15 | Houston Christian UniversityPrivate | $54,696 | 85 | $22,642 | Good | $28,262 | Challenging |
| #16 | Touro UniversityPrivate | $54,467 | 150 | $15,547 | Excellent | $23,400 | Challenging |
| #17 | $54,290 | 67 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Challenging | |
| #18 | University Of ToledoPublic | $53,672 | 47 | $22,250 | Good | $19,243 | Challenging |
| #19 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $53,471 | 251 | $19,620 | Good | $30,126 | Challenging |
| #20 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | $53,152 | 6 | $25,000 | Good | $15,256 | Challenging |
| #21 | $51,959 | 699 | $18,190 | Good | $16,036 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Baylor UniversityPrivate | $51,727 | 20 | $23,000 | Good | $50,786 | High |
| #23 | Boise State UniversityPublic | $51,708 | 158 | $20,500 | Good | $18,968 | Challenging |
| #24 | $51,082 | 311 | $17,236 | Good | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $50,089 | 48 | $24,239 | Manageable | $16,500 | Challenging |
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 →
