Apparel and Textiles at SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta's Apparel and Textiles program starts graduates at a challenging $28,180—well below both the state median of $34,322 and the national median of $36,945. At the 25th percentile among New York's four fashion programs, this ranks at the bottom tier for the state. However, the story takes a sharp turn by year four: earnings jump 69% to reach $47,594, suddenly surpassing the typical graduate from Fashion Institute of Technology and placing this program in genuinely competitive territory. The $23,691 debt load, while substantial, becomes more reasonable when paired with those mid-career earnings.

The catch? You're essentially betting on growth that may take longer to materialize than at higher-performing programs. That first year at $28,180 means graduates are likely cobbling together retail or entry-level fashion assistant work while trying to gain a foothold. Parents should plan for financial support during this runway period—whether that's helping with living expenses or accepting a delayed launch into independence.

The value proposition depends heavily on your child's patience and family financial cushion. If they can weather those lean early years and you can support them through it, the trajectory looks promising. But if immediate earning power matters—say, if your child will need to be self-supporting right after graduation—programs with stronger starting salaries would be worth the comparison.