Apparel and Textiles at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's Apparel and Textiles program starts below both the state median ($35,703 vs. $37,940) and national average, but the story improves substantially with time. Graduates see 28% earnings growth by year four, reaching $45,525—well above typical outcomes in this field. The $27,000 debt load sits slightly above Missouri's median but remains very manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 that's better than many creative industry programs.

The below-median starting point matters, particularly since this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Missouri's five schools (with Mizzonia's program leading at $40,176). However, the strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding traction in merchandising, buying, or textile manufacturing roles that reward experience. The moderate sample size indicates steady enrollment without the volatility that can affect smaller programs.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether your child can manage on that initial $35,703 salary—roughly $2,975 monthly before taxes—while the debt trajectory becomes clearer. If they're willing to stick with the industry through those early years, the economics become increasingly favorable. This isn't a program where graduates immediately out-earn their debt, but it's one where patience appears to pay off.