Apparel and Textilesat Academy of Art University
Graduates earn $27,630/yr in their first year — about 23.0% below the national Apparel and Textiles average. Base-case 10-year earnings $409K; scenarios range from $400K to $398K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Academy of Art University
The data reflects the significant hurdles graduates from this specific type of program often face. As a for-profit institution, the tuition structure can be demanding, and the institutional support for direct career placement or a robust alumni network in high-paying roles may not be as strong as at some traditional non-profits. While San Francisco offers a vibrant creative scene, it's not a primary hub for large-scale apparel manufacturing or corporate fashion headquarters, which can limit local entry-level opportunities. The apparel and textiles industry is intensely competitive, often requiring an exceptional portfolio, extensive networking, and sometimes years of low-paid internships to secure sustainable roles. Your success will heavily depend on your ability to forge your own path, build a standout portfolio, and aggressively network. Carefully evaluate how any program directly connects you with industry leaders and provides practical, marketable skills for a sustainable career.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Academy of Art University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Apparel and Textiles
How Academy of Art University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Academy of Art University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Academy of Art University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Apparel and Textiles offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Apparel and Textiles trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Apparel and Textiles at Academy of Art University
What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Apparel and Textiles at Academy of Art University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Apparel and Textiles programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Apparel and Textiles at Academy of Art University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Academy of Art University a good choice for Apparel and Textiles despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Academy of Art University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.