Apparel and Textiles at University of Rhode Island

The starting salary of $33,161 might worry parents initially, but URI's Apparel and Textiles program tells a story about trajectory rather than starting position. Within four years, graduates nearly double their earnings to $53,238—a 61% jump that suggests real career acceleration. More telling: while this program ranks only in the 32nd percentile nationally for first-year earnings, it places in the 80th percentile among Rhode Island programs, meaning URI graduates are earning nearly 40% more than the state median of $23,849.

The $24,125 debt load is reasonable given the earnings path. That 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio at year one improves dramatically as graduates gain experience, and the year-four salary makes repayment increasingly manageable. The moderate sample size means these numbers reflect real outcomes from a steady cohort of graduates, not a statistical anomaly.

For families weighing cost against return, this program offers better long-term value than its early numbers suggest. The question is whether your student can weather a tight first year financially while building toward a mid-career salary that substantially exceeds both state and national norms. If they're willing to invest in that growth curve—and can access the industry connections that typically drive such rapid advancement—URI provides a solid pathway into fashion and textile careers without crushing debt.