STEM Specialization

Textile Sciences and Engineering

Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates earn $71,837 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Textile Sciences and Engineering

Textile Sciences and Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $71,837 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 4 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 292 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$45,078
Median Earnings · 4yr
$71,837
Colleges Offering
4
Graduates / Year
292
Avg Net Price / yr
$23,116

How Much Do Textile Sciences and Engineering Graduates Earn?

Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates earn $71,837 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $54,622 and $87,948. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $45,078 climbs to $71,837 by year four.

$45,078
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$71,837
4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$71,837
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.


A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $71,837 and an estimated $92,464 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.2 years.

Based on outcomes from 2 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 292 students who complete Textile Sciences and Engineering programs each year, the majority (67%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 67%
Master's 21%
Doctorate 10%

What Can You Do With a Textile Sciences and Engineering Degree?

Textile Sciences and Engineering connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$171,270
$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

  • Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
  • Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
  • Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
↗ +5.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$112,860
$88K $143K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 1,500 openings/yr 23K employed nationally
Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Active Listening Science Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

  • Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
  • Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
  • Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
↗ +8.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$109,270
$82K $151K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 4,100 openings/yr 40K employed nationally
Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Top Colleges for Textile Sciences and Engineering

Only 2 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Textile Sciences and Engineering graduate volume, not selectivity.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public 284 41.7% $17,303 $68,758
2 Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit 8 81% $28,928 $77,449

Ranked by Textile Sciences and Engineering graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Textile Sciences and Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Textile Sciences and Engineering Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Textile Sciences and Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS
  • Strong median salary Graduates earn $71,837 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $45,078 at graduation to $71,837 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 20,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Limited program availability Only 4 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Textile Sciences and Engineering Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates earn?
Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates earn a national median of $71,837 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $54,622 and $87,948. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Textile Sciences and Engineering degree?
One year after graduation, Textile Sciences and Engineering degree holders earn a median of $45,078. That climbs to $71,837 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Textile Sciences and Engineering degree?
Textile Sciences and Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Textile Sciences and Engineering program take?
A Textile Sciences and Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Textile Sciences and Engineering?
4 colleges and universities in the United States offer Textile Sciences and Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Textile Sciences and Engineering degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $71,837 and an average net price of roughly $23,116/yr, a Textile Sciences and Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Textile Sciences and Engineering and Engineering?
Textile Sciences and Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Textile Sciences and Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates?
Employers hiring Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates?
The job outlook for Textile Sciences and Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.9% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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