Apparel and Textilesat Central Washington University
Graduates earn $51,494/yr in their first year — about 43.0% above the national Apparel and Textiles average. Base-case 10-year earnings $539K; scenarios range from $500K to $545K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Central Washington University
The strong earnings for Central Washington's Apparel and Textiles program reflect a unique regional advantage, extending beyond traditional fashion hubs. While Ellensburg is quiet, your program benefits significantly from its proximity to the Seattle metropolitan area. This region is a powerhouse for major retailers like Nordstrom and Amazon, outdoor apparel giants like REI, and a thriving ecosystem of technical textile and product development firms.
Employers here seek graduates with a blend of design sensibility, technical knowledge, and supply chain understanding. Your curriculum likely emphasizes these practical skills, preparing you for roles in product development, merchandising, technical design, or even textile innovation for performance wear, rather than solely high fashion. This focus aligns well with the local industry's demand for commercially viable, technically adept talent. To maximize your potential, aggressively pursue internships with regional companies to build those crucial industry connections.
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 Central Washington 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 Central Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Central Washington University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Central Washington 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 Central Washington University
What does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Apparel and Textiles at Central Washington University?
At 56/100, Central Washington University's Apparel and Textiles program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Apparel and Textiles at Central Washington 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.