Location: Fargo, ND•In-State Tuition: $10,857•Out-of-State Tuition: $15,511•Admission Rate: 96%•Avg SAT: 1120
Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,558
81st percentile
Median Debt
$23,250
6% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.57 ManageableSample: 37 graduates

Analysis

North Dakota State's Apparel and Textiles program outperforms 81% of similar programs nationally, with graduates earning nearly $4,000 more than the typical graduate in this field just one year out. The starting salary of $40,558 jumps to $48,095 by year four—solid growth that suggests the program builds marketable skills. With debt at $23,250, graduates owe roughly half their first year's salary, a manageable ratio that means most will be paying down loans rather than treading water. Being the only program of its kind in North Dakota limits state-level comparisons, but that exclusivity could work in graduates' favor for regional job opportunities.

The catch is that apparel and textiles isn't typically a high-earning field nationally—even top performers hover around $40,000 starting out. These graduates are doing well within their field, but families should understand they're choosing passion over peak earnings potential. The 19% growth over four years is encouraging and beats many career paths where earnings plateau early.

For students serious about fashion, merchandising, or textile design, this program delivers stronger outcomes than most alternatives. The debt load is reasonable, the earnings trajectory is positive, and NDSU's track record suggests graduates leave with skills employers value. Just make sure your student is committed to the industry rather than exploring it casually.

Where North Dakota State University-Main Campus Stands

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

North Dakota State University-Main CampusOther apparel and textiles programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

North Dakota State University-Main Campus earns $41k — 81th percentile among apparel and textiles bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
North Dakota State University-Main Campus$40,558$48,095+19%
San Francisco State University$30,082$60,278+100%
Indiana University-Bloomington$50,264$60,013+19%
University of Missouri-Columbia$40,176$60,008+49%
University of Arkansas$40,948$57,004+39%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Apparel and Textiles bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo$10,857$40,558$48,095$23,2500.57
Central Washington UniversityEllensburg$9,192$51,494—$19,4440.38
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$51,221—$16,1250.31
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington$11,790$50,264$60,013$20,5000.41
University of DelawareNewark$16,080$47,760$56,971$23,2500.49
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$44,647$44,135$21,2500.48
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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.