Apparel and Textiles at Washington State University

Washington State University's apparel and textiles program outperforms the national market but lags behind other Washington options—a tradeoff worth understanding if you're paying in-state tuition. Graduates start at $40,081, beating three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, yet they earn roughly $5,000 less than the state median. Central Washington's program delivers about $11,000 more in first-year earnings, which adds up quickly given that many fashion industry jobs are concentrated in Seattle.

The program keeps debt exceptionally low at $19,500—among the best 5% of apparel programs nationally and right at Washington's state median. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point even in an industry not known for high pay. Earnings do grow 16% over four years to $46,542, though that still trails the sector's better-paying opportunities within the state.

For students committed to fashion or textile design and planning to attend WSU anyway, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But if apparel is the primary draw, Central Washington's higher earnings might justify the extra consideration, especially since the debt levels are comparable statewide. The calculus changes if your student has other reasons to prefer Pullman's campus or if they're combining this major with another field that opens different career paths.