Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,969
74th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$24,750
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.62
Manageable
Sample Size
64
Adequate data

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

Ohio University-Main CampusOther apparel and textiles programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Main Campus$39,969$45,155$24,7500.62
Ohio State University-Main Campus$41,827$50,521$22,3130.53
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$39,969$45,155$24,7500.62
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$39,969$45,155$24,7500.62
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus$39,969$45,155$24,7500.62
Ohio University-Southern Campus$39,969$45,155$24,7500.62
National Median$36,945—$24,7500.67

Other Apparel and Textiles Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.