by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Apparel & Textiles](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/apparel-textile-studies/apparel-and-textiles-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general apparel & textiles students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general apparel & textiles, balancing cost against outcomes.
El Camino Community College District earned the #1 spot for value among general apparel & textiles schools in the United States. El Camino Community College District is a very large public school located in the suburb of Torrance. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,144, while out-of-state students pay about $7,630. Median earnings reach $41,589 ten years out.
Orange Coast College came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value general apparel & textiles schools. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,392, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. General Apparel & Textiles graduates carry a median of $8,978 in student loans. Early-career general apparel & textiles graduates make about $46,306. Set against $8,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Fullerton College one of the best values for general apparel & textiles. Set in the suburb of Fullerton, Fullerton College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,151 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,379. Median earnings reach $43,366 ten years out.
Fashion Institute Of Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general apparel & textiles, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of New York, Fashion Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,174, while out-of-state students pay about $22,696. Typical student debt for general apparel & textiles graduates is $12,000. Soon after graduation, general apparel & textiles degree recipients from Fashion Institute Of Technology generally make around $40,463. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.
Students looking for strong value in general apparel & textiles will find it at Academy Of Art University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of San Francisco, Academy Of Art University is a moderately-sized private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,736. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the general apparel & textiles program here. Soon after graduation, general apparel & textiles degree recipients from Academy Of Art University generally make around $27,630. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Explore the best-value general apparel & textiles schools at other degree levels:
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.