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Apparel and Textiles Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Ohio University dominates the most affordable tier for Apparel and Textiles education through its regional campus system, offering identical programs across five locations for just $4,503 to $6,483 in net costs. This creates an unusual situation where students can access the same fashion education in rural Saint Clairsville or mid-sized Zanesville at dramatically lower prices than traditional fashion hubs. California rounds out the budget-friendly options with Fresno State at $6,480, connecting students to the West Coast's massive garment manufacturing industry centered in Los Angeles. The earnings data reveals significant variation, with Florida State graduates commanding $40,455 annually while New Mexico State graduates start at $26,353. Graduation rates span an enormous range from Ohio University-Chillicothe's 12.1% to Florida State's 83%, suggesting program structure and student support vary dramatically across price points. The American textile industry employs over 550,000 workers nationwide, with major concentrations in North Carolina, California, and Georgia driving regional job opportunities.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $17,218
Net Price Range
$34,903
Avg. Program Earnings
56.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Apparel and Textiles Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
6 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
7 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
8 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
9 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
10 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
11 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
12 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
13 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
14 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
15 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
16 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
17 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
18 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
19 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
20 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
21 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
22 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
23 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
24 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
25 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
26 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
27 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
28 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
29 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
30 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
31 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
32 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
33 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
34 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
35 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
36 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
37 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
38 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
39 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
40 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
41 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
42 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
43 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
44 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
45 $16,531 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
46 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
47 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
48 $16,931 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
49 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
50 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive graduation rate differences between Ohio University campuses?

Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates from 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at the Eastern campus, despite identical $23,750 average debt loads. These are primarily two-year associate degree programs serving rural communities with different economic pressures. The low completion rates reflect the challenge of balancing education with immediate employment needs in areas with limited fashion industry presence.

How do California State schools compare for fashion program value?

California State University-Fresno offers the most affordable option at $6,480 net cost with a solid 54.8% graduation rate. Cal State Polytechnic-Pomona costs significantly more at $11,580 but delivers stronger outcomes with 66.7% graduation rates and $33,993 starting salaries. Sacramento State falls between at $10,512 with 55.8% completion rates, reflecting California's competitive fashion education market.

Is Florida State University worth the higher cost for fashion students?

Florida State stands out with $40,455 starting salaries and an 83% graduation rate, despite costing $10,997 annually. The program benefits from Florida's growing fashion retail sector and tourism industry connections. With only $17,750 average debt compared to $27,000 at Western Kentucky, FSU graduates face better financial outcomes despite the competitive 25% acceptance rate.

Does Brigham Young University-Idaho offer good value for fashion education?

BYU-Idaho provides unique value at $7,131 net cost with an impressive 55.1% graduation rate and 95.6% acceptance rate. The school's Honor Code and LDS affiliation create a specific campus culture that appeals to certain students. However, graduates may face geographic limitations since Idaho lacks major fashion industry centers, potentially requiring relocation for career advancement.

Where do graduates find the best starting salary opportunities?

Florida State leads with $40,455 average starting salaries, followed by UNC Greensboro at $37,054 and Cal Poly Pomona at $33,993. These schools benefit from proximity to major fashion markets in Florida, the Southeast textile corridor, and California's apparel industry. The $14,000+ salary gap between top and bottom performers reflects regional economic differences and program focus areas.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.