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Apparel and Textiles at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,016/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (133,800 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 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 $431K $438K $423K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.8x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 48% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$46,673
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,016/yr, roughly in line with the $35,960 national median for Apparel and Textiles. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Apparel and Textiles career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #42 ranking among 53 Apparel and Textiles programs places University of Wisconsin-Madison in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

A 43% admission rate makes University of Wisconsin-Madison accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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 University of Wisconsin-Madison

Chemical Engineering ($85,945) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($83,260) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,018) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($80,566) Industrial Engineering ($80,435) Insurance ($78,796) Materials Engineering ($76,662) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,513)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Apparel and Textiles trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Apparel and Textiles at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 38/100, 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison?
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 →