While the value of interdisciplinary graduate education and research is well documented with higher impact results than discipline-specific science, postsecondary institutions remain uncertain on how to successfully achieve interdisciplinary training outcomes. Here we present findings from an assessment of students and alumni who have participated in eight food-energy-water (FEW) NSF Research Training (NRT) programs. By leveraging the principles of convergence research, which emphasize the integration of diverse knowledge and collaborative efforts to solve complex problems, the FEW NRT programs exemplify how transdisciplinary learning can produce innovative solutions and foster leaders equipped to tackle multifaceted challenges. This study aims to test the efficacy of these programs in cultivating the necessary skills and mindsets for addressing the interdependent and dynamic issues within the food, energy, and water sectors. We argue that these programs have successfully achieved inter-/transdisciplinary team science training for graduate students across disciplines with distinct and measurable outcomes. Specifically, we provide assessment of outcomes including (1) collaborative research skills, (2) transdisciplinary problem-solving confidence, (3) communication skills, (4) interdisciplinary tool adoption, and (5) career preparedness. Our data and analysis show that participation in these programs increases student confidence, development in transdisciplinary skills, and supports complex problem-solving skills such as systems-thinking. One significant observation is the variability in how different FEW NRT programs implement interdisciplinary education. The differences in program structure, resources, and faculty expertise likely contribute to varying degrees of success in achieving the desired outcomes. This variability underscores the need for tailored strategies that accommodate the unique contexts of each program community while adhering to core principles of interdisciplinary education. The findings will inform best practices for graduate education programs designed to equip students with the inter-/transdisciplinary skills necessary for successful careers as researchers, practitioners, and educators.