Analysis
Ohio University-Zanesville's apparel and textiles program outperforms most national competitors, placing graduates in the 74th percentile for earnings—well above the national median of $36,945. At $39,969 starting, graduates earn roughly $3,000 more than typical programs nationwide. Within Ohio, it matches the state median and sits comfortably in the 60th percentile among the nine schools offering this degree. The debt load of $24,750 is standard for the field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62.
What makes this program particularly solid is the earnings trajectory: graduates see a 13% increase by year four, reaching $45,155. That's meaningful growth in a field where many programs show stagnant wages. The consistency across multiple Ohio University campuses suggests a well-structured curriculum with strong industry connections, likely benefiting from the main campus's reputation while offering regional accessibility.
For families concerned about return on investment in fashion-related fields, this program demonstrates that apparel and textiles degrees can lead to viable careers when earnings outpace debt by this margin. The moderate sample size means these figures reflect real graduate outcomes, not statistical noise. If your student is committed to the fashion industry, this represents a cost-effective entry point with earnings potential that exceeds most alternatives.
Where Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all apparel and textiles bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Zanesville 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-Zanesville 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $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 | |
| $13,746 | $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-Zanesville Campus, approximately 10% 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.