Apparel and Textilesat Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Graduates earn $25,247/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Apparel and Textiles average. Base-case 10-year earnings $394K; scenarios range from $389K to $382K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
The figures you're examining for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Apparel and Textiles program highlight the unique challenges within this field, particularly when geographically distant from major fashion or manufacturing hubs. Carbondale's regional economy doesn't offer a robust local pipeline of employers in high-paying design, production, or corporate merchandising roles. Consequently, many graduates find themselves competing for positions in retail management, visual merchandising, or local small businesses, which typically offer more modest compensation. The program, while foundational, may not provide the specialized industry connections or intense portfolio development often found at dedicated fashion institutes that lead to higher-tier roles. To truly thrive, you'll need to proactively seek extensive internships in larger metropolitan areas, cultivate a highly specialized skillset, and be prepared for significant relocation to access opportunities in major fashion centers or specialized textile industries.
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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale'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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
How does Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Apparel and Textiles program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Apparel and Textiles. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Apparel and Textiles graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Apparel and Textiles to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Apparel and Textiles careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Apparel and Textiles earnings lower at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
Lower starting pay at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.