Apparel and Textiles at Ohio University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ohio University's Apparel and Textiles program produces graduates who earn nearly $40,000 in their first year—outperforming three-quarters of similar programs nationally. The $24,750 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.62 ratio, meaning graduates owe about 7.5 months of their starting salary. By year four, earnings climb to $45,155, representing solid 13% growth that suggests this degree opens doors beyond entry-level retail positions.
Within Ohio, this program sits squarely at the state median, though that's less meaningful given only 9 schools offer this major statewide. The real story is the national comparison: Ohio University's graduates significantly outlearn the typical fashion program graduate ($36,945 nationally), likely reflecting the program's balanced curriculum that prepares students for both design and business roles in the apparel industry. Ohio State's graduates earn roughly $2,000 more annually, but the difference is modest enough that factors like program fit and campus culture should weigh heavily.
The moderate sample size warrants some caution in reading too much into these exact figures, but the overall picture is straightforward: this program delivers competitive outcomes in a field where earnings can vary widely by career path. For a student genuinely passionate about fashion, merchandising, or textile design, these numbers suggest Ohio University provides a financially reasonable launching point.
Where Ohio University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all apparel and textiles bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ohio University-Main Campus graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all apparel and textiles bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Apparel and Textiles bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $41,827 | $50,521 | $22,313 | 0.53 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 |
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $36,945 | — | $24,750 | 0.67 |
Other Apparel and Textiles Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus | $12,859 | $41,827 | $22,313 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $39,969 | $24,750 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe | $6,178 | $39,969 | $24,750 |
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville | $6,178 | $39,969 | $24,750 |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton | $6,178 | $39,969 | $24,750 |
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 Ohio University-Main Campus, approximately 20% 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 64 graduates with reported earnings and 68 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.