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HUMANITIES
Interdisciplinary Studies
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Interdisciplinary Studies
Design your own academic path combining two or more fields — ideal for students whose interests don't fit inside a single department. Graduates earn a national median of $55,693 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 1,866 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 123,205 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $35,938
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $55,693
- Colleges Offering
- 1,866
- Graduates / Year
- 123,205
- Specializations
- 46
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $16,748
Is a Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Right for You?
$55,693
Median earnings · 4yr
+15.2%
10yr job growth
46
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~2.6
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Solid ROI. Median earnings of $55,693 after 4 years. Against an estimated $66,992 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.6 years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Interdisciplinary Studies Majors Earn?
Interdisciplinary Studies graduates start at a median $35,938 one year out and reach $55,693 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 1,866 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$35,938
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$55,693
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$56,293
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Interdisciplinary Studies specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $118,943/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $36,787/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$36,787
Lowest
$55,693
Median
$118,943
Highest
What Can You Do With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?
Career Paths for Interdisciplinary Studies Graduates
Interdisciplinary Studies connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Computer & Information Systems Manager leads in median earnings at $175,140/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Computer & Information Systems Manager
Bachelor's degree
$175,140
↗ +15.2% growth
Natural Sciences Managers
Bachelor's degree
$167,220
↗ +3.7% growth
Financial Manager
Bachelor's degree
$166,570
↗ +14.8% growth
Political Scientist
Master's degree
$142,080
↘ -3.1% growth
Computer & Information Research Scientist
Master's degree
$140,300
↗ +19.7% growth
Database Architects
Bachelor's degree
$139,500
↗ +8.7% growth
Software Developer
Bachelor's degree
$135,980
↗ +15.8% growth
Law Teachers
Doctoral or professional degree
$128,500
↗ +2.2% growth
Interdisciplinary Studies Specializations
Interdisciplinary Studies breaks into 39 specializations. Earnings range widely from $36,787 to $118,943 at the four-year mark. Each row links to a dedicated program profile. Sorted highest-paying first, based on national College Scorecard data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Interdisciplinary Studies
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Interdisciplinary Studies graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
99%
Net price/yr
$29,357
Earnings 10yr
$44,813
Grad rate
34%
2
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
Acceptance
26.7%
Net price/yr
$12,470
Earnings 10yr
$84,943
Grad rate
86%
3
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
Acceptance
54.7%
Net price/yr
$9,288
Earnings 10yr
$60,249
Grad rate
54%
4
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID · Nonprofit
Acceptance
95.8%
Net price/yr
$8,221
Earnings 10yr
$53,406
Grad rate
46%
5
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
4%
Net price/yr
$21,590
Earnings 10yr
$102,491
Grad rate
79%
6
University of North Texas
Denton, TX · Public
Acceptance
72.2%
Net price/yr
$15,649
Earnings 10yr
$57,010
Grad rate
57%
7
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
Acceptance
57.4%
Net price/yr
$21,315
Earnings 10yr
$72,097
Grad rate
80%
8
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
Acceptance
40.1%
Net price/yr
$10,411
Earnings 10yr
$58,308
Grad rate
55%
9
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
Acceptance
15.6%
Net price/yr
$13,138
Earnings 10yr
$83,648
Grad rate
90%
10
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$3,864
Earnings 10yr
$43,937
Grad rate
11%
11
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
Acceptance
79.8%
Net price/yr
$16,778
Earnings 10yr
$69,020
Grad rate
75%
12
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
5.4%
Net price/yr
$28,699
Earnings 10yr
$111,371
Grad rate
84%
13
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX · Public
Acceptance
65.1%
Net price/yr
$18,267
Earnings 10yr
$68,227
Grad rate
67%
14
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
Acceptance
83.6%
Net price/yr
$22,531
Earnings 10yr
$64,762
Grad rate
66%
15
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
Acceptance
26.6%
Net price/yr
$19,857
Earnings 10yr
$75,121
Grad rate
81%
16
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
Acceptance
15.3%
Net price/yr
$11,655
Earnings 10yr
$72,200
Grad rate
87%
17
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
Acceptance
45.2%
Net price/yr
$17,354
Earnings 10yr
$73,792
Grad rate
75%
18
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.8%
Net price/yr
$32,740
Earnings 10yr
$92,498
Grad rate
88%
19
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
20
Mt San Jacinto Community College District
San Jacinto, CA · Public
Acceptance
Open
Net price/yr
$6,806
Earnings 10yr
$38,319
Grad rate
5%
Ranked by number of Interdisciplinary Studies graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Interdisciplinary Studies Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Interdisciplinary Studies degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Interdisciplinary Studies degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Interdisciplinary Studies Degree: Pros & Cons
Interdisciplinary Studies carries financial trade-offs that prospective students should weigh carefully before committing. The 4 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
- Above-average earnings Four-year median of $55,693 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science fields.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +19.7% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Computer & Information Research Scientist.
- Wide availability Offered at 1,866 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $118,943, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
CONS
- Declining roles in some areas 1 related career within this field show negative 10-year employment projections per BLS. Research specific roles carefully before committing.
- Highly competitive job market Approximately 123,205 students graduate in this field each year, one of the highest volumes among all majors.
- High variance across specializations The gap between the lowest-paying ($36,787) and highest-paying ($118,943) specializations is large. Choosing a lower-demand track significantly reduces expected returns.
Interdisciplinary Studies Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earn?
Interdisciplinary Studies graduates earn a national median of $55,693 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Interdisciplinary Studies degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Interdisciplinary Studies degree holders is $35,938 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Interdisciplinary Studies degree?
Interdisciplinary Studies degree holders work in a range of careers. Computer & Information Systems Manager is one of the top roles by median wage ($175,140/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Interdisciplinary Studies?
1,866 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Interdisciplinary Studies, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Interdisciplinary Studies degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $55,693 and an average net price of roughly $16,748/yr across institutions offering this major, a Interdisciplinary Studies degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Interdisciplinary Studies degree?
A bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years. Online and part-time options can adjust these timelines based on your schedule and transfer credits.
What skills do employers look for in Interdisciplinary Studies graduates?
Employers hiring Interdisciplinary Studies graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, research, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Interdisciplinary Studies graduates is strong, with an average of +9.6% projected growth across related occupations. Computer & Information Research Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +19.7%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
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- Engineering tech
- Engineering
- Program earnings
- Applied degree
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-
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Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
- STEM earnings
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- Program earnings
- Major choice
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