Apparel and Textiles at University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison's Apparel and Textiles program produces graduates who start below both national and state averages, earning $33,016 in their first year compared to nearly $37,000 nationally. While this is a respected university with competitive admissions, the program trails UW-Stout by nearly $3,000 annually—a meaningful gap for students making in-state tuition decisions. The $26,000 debt load is close to the national median, but manageable at 79% of first-year earnings.

The story improves significantly over time. Graduates see 41% earnings growth by year four, reaching $46,673—well above the national median for this field. This trajectory suggests the program may be designed for specialized roles that take longer to break into, or that the UW-Madison network opens doors that aren't immediately apparent. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could shift substantially with different career paths or economic conditions.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child has a clear plan for the first few lean years. If they're passionate about textiles and willing to invest time building their career, the later earnings are respectable. But if they're uncertain about the field or need stronger immediate income, other programs at UW-Madison—or even UW-Stout's competing program—warrant closer consideration.