Apparel and Textiles at University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas's Apparel and Textiles program substantially outperforms the national market, with graduates earning 11% more than the typical program one year out and reaching $57,004 by year four—a 39% jump that suggests strong career trajectory potential. While this is the only program of its kind in Arkansas, the national comparison tells the more important story: these graduates land in the 86th percentile for earnings nationally while keeping debt near the national median at $25,225. That 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 7.5 months of their first-year salary, a manageable figure that improves quickly as earnings grow.

The caveat worth noting is the moderate sample size, which can make these outcomes less predictable than programs with hundreds of graduates annually. However, the strong starting salary combined with significant earnings growth suggests this program successfully connects students to employers willing to invest in developing talent—whether in retail management, merchandising, or technical design roles.

For families weighing this major, the math works in your favor compared to most Apparel and Textiles programs nationwide. The debt burden is reasonable, starting earnings exceed expectations, and the trajectory points upward through the early career years. This program delivers practical value without the excessive debt that burdens graduates from weaker programs in this field.