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Apparel and Textiles at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,849/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (133,800 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #22 of 53 Apparel and Textiles programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Apparel and Textiles graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $512K $510K $477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.1x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,560
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,823
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $40,849 per year, Apparel and Textiles graduates from Iowa State University earn slightly above the $35,960 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Apparel and Textiles career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,560 against $40,849/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #22 ranking among 53 Apparel and Textiles programs places Iowa State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 24% earnings increase from $40,849 to $50,823 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Iowa State University prioritizes broad access, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Marketing managers $161,030/yr
Materials scientists $104,160/yr
Fashion designers $80,690/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 53 schools offering Apparel and Textiles →

Apparel and Textiles at Other Schools

Central Washington University ($51,494) Utah State University ($51,221) Indiana University-Bloomington ($50,264) University of Delaware ($47,760) University of Northern Iowa ($44,647) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($41,827) Florida State University ($41,130) University of Arkansas ($40,948)

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Apparel and Textiles trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Apparel and Textiles at Iowa State University?
At 51/100, Iowa State 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 Iowa State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →