Location: Boone, NC•In-State Tuition: $7,541•Out-of-State Tuition: $24,537•Admission Rate: 89%•Avg SAT: 1187
Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,945
50th percentile
Median Debt
$26,000
5% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.70 ManageableSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Appalachian State's apparel and textiles program places solidly in the middle of what this field typically delivers, with one notable advantage: graduates carry less debt than most peers. Starting at $36,945 and reaching $38,381 by year four, earnings match the national median exactly while ranking in the 60th percentile among North Carolina's three programs—ahead of East Carolina but behind UNC Greensboro. The modest growth over four years reflects industry realities more than program quality.

The real story here is the debt load. At $26,000, it sits in the 25th percentile nationally, meaning 75% of similar programs leave students with more to repay. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls into manageable territory for an industry where starting salaries typically hover in the mid-$30,000s. For families concerned about fashion merchandising or product development careers, this program won't saddle graduates with outsized debt relative to what they'll earn.

The caveat: these numbers come from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs. But if your child is drawn to textiles and wants to stay in-state, Appalachian State offers a cost-effective path into the field without the debt burden that could make those early-career years financially stressful.

Where Appalachian State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all apparel and textiles bachelors's programs nationally

Appalachian State UniversityOther apparel and textiles programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Appalachian State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Appalachian State University earns $37k — 50th percentile among apparel and textiles bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Appalachian State University$36,945$38,381+4%
San Francisco State University$30,082$60,278+100%
Indiana University-Bloomington$50,264$60,013+19%
East Carolina University$32,418$46,015+42%
University of North Carolina at Greensboro$40,059$42,607+6%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Apparel and Textiles bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Appalachian State UniversityBoone$7,541$36,945$38,381$26,0000.70
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro$7,593$40,059$42,607$26,0000.65
East Carolina UniversityGreenville$7,361$32,418$46,015$26,0000.80
National Median—$36,945—$24,7500.67

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with apparel and textiles graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

$86,620/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Appalachian State University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.