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
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Main Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | +13% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $41,827 | $50,521 | +21% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | +13% |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | +13% |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $39,969 | $45,155 | +13% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Apparel and Textiles bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,746 | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 | |
| $12,859 | $41,827 | $50,521 | $22,313 | 0.53 | |
| $6,178 | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 | |
| $6,178 | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 | |
| $6,178 | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 | |
| $6,178 | $39,969 | $45,155 | $24,750 | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $36,945 | — | $24,750 | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with apparel and textiles graduates
Marketing Managers
Materials Scientists
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Interior Designers
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Farm and Home Management Educators
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
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.