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Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

HUMANITIES Specialization

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates earn $42,907 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $30,743 and $64,024. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduates typically earn around $42,907 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 125 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 584 students complete this program each year. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $25,750
Median Earnings · 4yr: $42,907
Colleges Offering: 125
Graduates / Year: 584
Avg Net Price / yr: $22,923

How Much Do Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Graduates Earn?

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates earn $42,907 four years out, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $30,743 and $64,024. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $25,750 climbs to $42,907 by year four.

$25,750

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$42,907

4-Year National Median

Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.

$42,009

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$30,743 25th pct.

$42,907 Median

$64,024 75th pct.

Is the Cost Worth It?

At median 4-year earnings of $42,907 and an estimated $91,692 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 7.1 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 42 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 584 students who complete Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies programs each year, the majority (33%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

33% 28% 30%

Bachelor's 33%

Master's 30%

Post-Bacc Cert. 28%

What Can You Do With an Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Degree?

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Cultural Studies Professors leads at $85,020/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +2.4% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Cultural Studies Professors

$85,020

$66K $111K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,100 openings/yr 11K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Speaking Instructing Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives.

Top Colleges for Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, HI · Nonprofit	29	47%	$16,774	$52,064
2	Tufts University Medford, MA · Nonprofit	26	11.5%	$39,998	$83,214
3	California State University-Northridge Northridge, CA · Public	23	93.5%	$7,021	$59,115
4	Biola University La Mirada, CA · Nonprofit	22	74.4%	$31,495	$56,778
5	Villanova University Villanova, PA · Nonprofit	17	27%	$43,756	$100,423
6	Drury University Springfield, MO · Nonprofit	15	57.6%	$20,831	$40,694
7	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS · Public	11	93.5%	$18,059	$61,945
8	Ithaca College Ithaca, NY · Nonprofit	10	69%	$33,926	$63,548
9	William Carey University Hattiesburg, MS · Nonprofit	10	60.3%	$14,258	$43,087
10	University of Kentucky Lexington, KY · Public	9	92.9%	$18,851	$59,025
11	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA · Public	9	67.9%	$9,823	$50,135
12	University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, TX · Nonprofit	9	98.1%	$22,775	$56,733
13	Macalester College Saint Paul, MN · Nonprofit	9	28.5%	$32,149	$63,878
14	Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA · Public	8	90.4%	$14,638	$54,914
15	Southeastern University Lakeland, FL · Nonprofit	8	53%	$31,942	$46,744
16	Corban University Salem, OR · Nonprofit	8	93.9%	$28,035	$48,917
17	University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX · Public	7	90.5%	$15,563	$59,004
18	Waldorf University Forest City, IA · Nonprofit	7	77%	$19,693	$51,165
19	Rowan University Glassboro, NJ · Public	6	77.7%	$22,408	$59,988
20	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, MD · Public	6	72.4%	$16,467	$69,960

View all colleges

Ranked by Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity 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.

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Degree: Pros & Cons

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 1 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $25,750 at graduation to $42,907 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Below-average earnings Four-year median of $42,907 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Slow job growth Top related careers project less than 3% growth over the next decade; limited expansion means more competition for new openings.
Long earnings breakeven At median salary and average net price, recovering education costs versus a baseline wage takes roughly 7.1 years.

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates earn?

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates earn a national median of $42,907 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $30,743 and $64,024. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree?

One year after graduation, Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree holders earn a median of $25,750. That climbs to $42,907 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree?

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree holders pursue careers including Cultural Studies Professors, which pays a median of $85,020/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies program take?

A Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies?

125 colleges and universities in the United States offer Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $42,907 and an average net price of roughly $22,923/yr, a Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies?

Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates?

Employers hiring Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.