Apparel and Textiles at Framingham State University

Framingham State's Apparel and Textiles program starts graduates at $31,574—below the national median for this field, but keep in mind this is the only program of its kind in Massachusetts. While ranking in just the 25th percentile nationally might sound concerning, the 36% earnings jump to $42,903 by year four shows genuine career progression. The $26,000 debt load, roughly equivalent to first-year earnings, is manageable if your child commits to the field and captures that income growth.

The bigger question is whether this program justifies the investment compared to other fashion industry entry points. Massachusetts fashion and textile careers don't command premium salaries—even at the median, graduates here earn nearly $5,400 less than the national typical for the major. That said, Boston's proximity offers access to retailers, fashion tech companies, and design firms that might accelerate career advancement beyond what the four-year data shows.

This works best for students with genuine passion for the industry who understand they're playing a long game. The debt is reasonable enough that it won't crush your child if they stick with it, and the earnings trajectory suggests employers value these graduates more as they gain experience. Just ensure your child has realistic expectations about entry-level fashion industry salaries and has a Plan B if the creative side doesn't click professionally.