by our College Data Analytics Team
[Interdisciplinary Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/interdisciplinary-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong interdisciplinary studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 30 schools to find the best return on investment for interdisciplinary studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in interdisciplinary studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania the best value for a degree in interdisciplinary studies in Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,046 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,870 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value interdisciplinary studies schools. Set in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,236 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Students borrow a median of $26,527 to complete the interdisciplinary studies program here. Early-career interdisciplinary studies graduates make about $39,601. That is a strong return on a $26,527 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,264 to complete the interdisciplinary studies program here. Soon after graduation, interdisciplinary studies degree recipients from Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $31,955. That is a strong return on a $26,264 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value interdisciplinary studies schools. Located in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $25,990 to complete the interdisciplinary studies program here. Soon after graduation, interdisciplinary studies degree recipients from Millersville University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $30,099. Set against $25,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University World Campus admits about 91% of applicants.
Geneva College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value interdisciplinary studies schools. Set in the suburb of Beaver Falls, Geneva College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $33,450 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for interdisciplinary studies graduates is $26,396. Early-career interdisciplinary studies graduates make about $46,645. That is a strong return on a $26,396 median debt.
Albright College placed #7 among the best values for interdisciplinary studies. Set in the city of Reading, Albright College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,082 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,958 to complete the interdisciplinary studies program here. Soon after graduation, interdisciplinary studies degree recipients from Albright College generally make around $38,075. Set against $28,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Albright College admits about 76% of applicants.
Misericordia University came in at #8 for value in interdisciplinary studies this year. Misericordia University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,370. Interdisciplinary Studies graduates carry a median of $27,262 in student loans. Early-career interdisciplinary studies graduates make about $57,845. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Arcadia University landed the #9 spot for interdisciplinary studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Glenside, Arcadia University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $49,610 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for interdisciplinary studies graduates is $26,921. Early-career interdisciplinary studies graduates make about $46,764. That is a strong return on a $26,921 median debt. Arcadia University admits about 80% of applicants.
Temple University came in at #10 for value in interdisciplinary studies this year. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete the interdisciplinary studies program here. Interdisciplinary Studies graduates of Temple University earn a median of $54,642 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Lehigh University landed the #11 spot for interdisciplinary studies value this year. Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bethlehem. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Typical student debt for interdisciplinary studies graduates is $24,960. Interdisciplinary Studies graduates of Lehigh University earn a median of $74,734 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,960 median debt. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 30 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.