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CIP 19.0902 Family and Consumer Sciences

Apparel and Textile Manufacture

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

162

2025 · 9 schools

International share

11.7%

19 international students

Bachelor's degrees

89

13.5% international

Master's degrees

4

25.0% international

Overview

Apparel and Textile Manufacture is a dynamic and multifaceted field that focuses on the design, production, and marketing of clothing and textile products. This discipline encompasses a variety of processes, from the initial stages of fabric selection and garment construction to the final stages of retail and consumer engagement.

Students in this program typically learn about the technical aspects of textile manufacturing, including fiber science, weaving, dyeing, and finishing processes. They also delve into garment construction techniques, pattern making, and sewing methodologies. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding the properties of different materials and how these influence the design and functionality of apparel.

In addition to technical skills, the curriculum often includes coursework in fashion design, marketing, and merchandising, allowing students to gain a holistic understanding of the industry. This combination equips graduates with the ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing market driven by trends, sustainability concerns, and consumer preferences.

Career opportunities in Apparel and Textile Manufacture are diverse, ranging from product development and quality control to supply chain management and fashion marketing. Graduates may find roles in manufacturing companies, fashion houses, or retail organizations, as well as opportunities in entrepreneurship within the fashion industry.

Overall, this program prepares students to contribute creatively and strategically to the fashion and textile sectors, addressing challenges such as sustainability and ethical production while meeting the demands of a global marketplace.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 43% and the international share went from 8.8% to 11.7%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
29.0%
Asian
12.3%
Hispanic
21.6%
Black
13.6%
Other
11.7%
Intl.
11.7%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 9 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Fashion Institute of Technology New York 81 12
— SUNY Buffalo State University New York 30 0
— Academy of Art University California 17 6
— Dallas College Texas 9 0
— Orange Coast College California 8 0
— Honolulu Community College Hawaii 6 1
— Sacramento City College California 5 0
— University of Hawaii Maui College Hawaii 3 0
— Wayne County Community College District Michigan 3 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Fashion Designers 21,450 $43.86 $91,230
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers 2,950 $34.34 $71,420
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 2,770 — $81,940

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.