Apparel and Textiles at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,529/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (133,800 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #32 of 53 Apparel and Textiles programs

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 $459K $463K $441K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.6x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.2x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,656
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Kansas State University's Apparel and Textiles program produces graduates earning $37,529/yr — within striking distance of the $35,960 national average for this field.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 $21,656 against $37,529/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #32 ranking among 53 Apparel and Textiles programs places Kansas State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Kansas State University

A 79% acceptance rate means Kansas State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 14,835 students in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas 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

Apparel and Textiles at Other Schools

Other Majors at Kansas State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Apparel and Textiles at Kansas State University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Apparel and Textiles programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Apparel and Textiles at Kansas 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 →