General
Multi-Disciplinary Studies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Multi-Disciplinary Studies.
Entry Level Salary
$38,856
Median Salary
$65,000
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
27.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,600,000
Entry (Early)
$38,856
Median (Prime)
$65,000
High (Prime)
$65,599
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-105k
+122k
+126k
$25k / yr
-195k
+32k
+37k
$50k / yr
-285k
-58k
-53k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
31
31
$25k / yr
Never
48
47
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-179%
29%
34%
$50k / yr
-131%
-27%
-25%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate29.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Elementary and middle school teachers
16.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$53,095
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,000|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Secondary school teachers
4.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,856
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,994|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Education and childcare administrators
3.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$28,138
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,053|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Management occupations
3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,385
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,691|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Preschool and kindergarten teachers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,145
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,269|$40,090
openings
78,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.1%
Special education teachers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$42,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,779|$64,270
openings
37,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.4%
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,886
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,516|$65,140
openings
31,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.5%
Postsecondary teachers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$17,895
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,994|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Customer service representatives
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$29,497
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$34,672|$42,830
openings
341,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.5%
Office and administrative support occupations
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$38,526
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$47,823|$46,320
openings
1,996,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Undergrad Certificate | 33 | $39,810 - $70,128 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Associate's Degree | 155 | $29,307 - $71,291 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 537 | $26,341 - $171,261 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Post-bacc Certificate | 11 | $73,514 - $73,514 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Master's Degree | 111 | $50,398 - $163,424 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Doctoral Degree | 42 | $76,300 - $85,987 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Graduate Certificate | 21 | $59,798 - $135,262 |
| multi/interdisciplinary studies, other. | Level 99 | 29 | $37,851 - $75,202 |