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Apparel and Textiles at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,647/yr (24% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (133,800 openings/yr)

ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #6 of 53 Apparel and Textiles programs Top 25%

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	$562K	$554K	$511K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.4x	14.2x	13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.6x	6.5x	6.0x
Probability of Field Employment	54%	48%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	59	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (6.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,625

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,815

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,647 at University of Northern Iowa come in 24% above the national median of $35,960 for Apparel and Textiles programs.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Apparel and Textiles career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $44,647 far exceeding the $20,625 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Northern Iowa ranks #6 among 53 Apparel and Textiles programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 32% earnings increase from $44,647 to $58,815 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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

Apparel and Textiles at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Northern Iowa

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Apparel and Textiles at University of Northern Iowa?

At 59/100, University of Northern Iowa'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 University of Northern Iowa?

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 University of Northern Iowa one of the best schools for Apparel and Textiles?

Among 53 Apparel and Textiles programs, University of Northern Iowa's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →