Apparel and Textiles at Utah State University

Utah State's Apparel and Textiles program outperforms 95% of similar programs nationally, with graduates earning $51,221 right out of college—nearly $15,000 more than the national median of $36,945. The debt load of $16,125 is equally impressive, coming in $8,625 below what graduates typically carry at other schools. This translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning students can reasonably pay off their loans in less than four months of gross income. For a field that often struggles with low starting salaries, these numbers represent exceptional preparation and placement.

The program is the only one of its kind in Utah, making direct state comparisons impossible, but the combination of strong industry connections and Utah State's affordable tuition creates real advantages. At a school with 94% admission and a modest student profile, this program punches well above its weight—likely benefiting from relationships with regional retailers, outdoor apparel manufacturers, and the tech industry's growing interest in smart fabrics.

For families worried about career prospects in fashion-adjacent fields, this program offers a concrete counterargument. Your student graduates with manageable debt and earnings that immediately support financial independence. The moderate sample size suggests consistent rather than exceptional outcomes, which actually reinforces the program's reliability as an investment.