Location: Brookings, SD•In-State Tuition: $9,299•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,809•Admission Rate: 99%•Avg SAT: 1121
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,945
Est. from national median (53 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,750
Est. from national median (48 programs)

Analysis

At $24,750 in estimated debt against first-year earnings around $37,000, this bachelor's degree produces a workable debt burden—graduates from comparable apparel programs nationally would need about eight months of gross pay to cover what they borrowed. That's manageable compared to many bachelor's degrees, though the trajectory here deserves scrutiny.

The concerning piece is what happens after year one. By year four, median earnings actually drop to $32,529, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance or maintain early positions in an industry known for retail volatility and geographic concentration of opportunities. Brookings isn't a fashion hub, and South Dakota's limited apparel industry means graduates likely need to relocate to find career-track positions—a reality that can complicate the financial picture when starting salaries barely eclipse $30,000.

For families considering this investment, the math works if your child has clear industry connections or plans to move to a major market immediately after graduation. The debt load won't be crushing, but the earnings ceiling appears low based on what peers experience nationally. If they're passionate about fashion or textiles, understand this degree opens doors that typically require geographic flexibility and may involve years of modest paychecks before reaching stable ground. The 99% admission rate means access is easy; the career payoff requires more deliberate planning.

Where South Dakota State University Stands

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

South Dakota State University (estimated ±10%)Other apparel and textiles programs

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
South Dakota State University—$32,529—
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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings$9,299$36,945*$32,529$24,750*—
Central Washington UniversityEllensburg$9,192$51,494*—$19,444*0.38
Utah State UniversityLogan$9,228$51,221*—$16,125*0.31
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington$11,790$50,264*$60,013$20,500*0.41
University of DelawareNewark$16,080$47,760*$56,971$23,250*0.49
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$44,647*$44,135$21,250*0.48
National Median—$36,945*—$24,750*0.67
* Estimated from similar programs

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 South Dakota State University, approximately 16% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 53 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.