Textile Sciences and Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Debt to Income Ratio
Why Textile Sciences and Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 48.9%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Textile Sciences and Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $50567 and average student debt of $24725, the financial outlook for Textile Sciences and Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Textile Sciences and Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $50567, and with an average debt of $24725, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.49—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 292 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Materials Engineers, which is expected to see 6.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Textile Sciences and Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Textile Sciences and Engineering (CIP 14.2801) is a high-tech engineering discipline that focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of fiber-based materials. While many associate textiles with fashion, this field is primarily about "advanced materials engineering"—creating the high-performance fabrics used in aerospace heat shields, artificial heart valves, ballistic armor, and smart clothing embedded with sensors. It is a path for "material innovators" who want to manipulate the molecular structure of fibers to achieve extraordinary physical properties.
This field is ideal for "multidisciplinary engineers"—individuals who are interested in how chemistry and physics can be applied to create flexible, durable, and intelligent materials for medical, industrial, and consumer use.
What Is a Textile Engineering Degree?
A degree in Textile Engineering is a specialized branch of materials and chemical engineering. You will study the entire production chain, from the synthesis of polymers to the complex weaving and knitting processes that create a final product. Because modern textiles are often used in extreme environments, you will learn how to engineer fibers that are flame-resistant, conductive, or biodegradable. It is a rigorous STEM major that prepares you to work in any industry that requires flexible structural materials.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Fiber Scientists" who develop new synthetic polymers for performance wear and industrial use
- Develop experts in Smart Textiles—fabrics that can monitor heart rates or change color based on temperature
- Prepare professionals for Technical Textiles, such as carbon-fiber composites for cars and planes
- Study Sustainable Manufacturing to reduce the water and chemical footprint of the textile industry
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that a fabric is a complex engineered system where the orientation of a single fiber can determine the strength and flexibility of the entire structure.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Polymer Chemistry—understanding how to create and manipulate synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester
- Use "Textile Design Software" (CAD) to model the geometric structure of woven and knitted materials
- Design Non-woven Materials—fabrics made through chemical or thermal bonding rather than weaving
- Perform Mechanical Testing to measure the tensile strength, elasticity, and durability of new materials
- Utilize Surface Modification Techniques to make fabrics waterproof, antimicrobial, or fire-retardant
- Understand Process Automation—the robotics and sensors used in large-scale textile mills
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering:
- Fiber Science: The study of the physical and chemical properties of natural and synthetic fibers.
- Yarn and Fabric Mechanics: Analyzing how different "twists" and "weaves" affect the behavior of a material.
- Textile Chemistry: The science of dyeing, finishing, and chemically treating fabrics.
- Composite Materials: Using fibers (like Kevlar or Carbon) to reinforce plastics for high-strength applications.
- Biomedical Textiles: Designing sutures, vascular grafts, and "scaffolds" for tissue engineering.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: Managing the global flow of raw fibers to finished goods.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as specialized engineers, researchers, and quality leads in a wide variety of high-tech sectors.
Common job roles include:
- Textile Engineer: Designing new fabrics for specific industrial or consumer needs.
- R&D Scientist: Inventing the next generation of "super-fibers" for defense or space exploration.
- Materials Analyst: Testing and ensuring that textiles used in medical or safety gear meet strict standards.
- Product Developer: Working with brands to turn a new material into a functional product (like athletic gear).
- Sustainability Consultant: Designing "circular" textile systems that use recycled materials and less toxic dyes.
- Process Engineer: Managing the complex machinery in a textile manufacturing plant.
Where Can You Work?
Textile engineers work in industries ranging from healthcare to heavy defense:
- Aerospace and Defense: Companies like NASA, Boeing, or DuPont (Kevlar/Nomex).
- Medical Device Firms: Creating the textile-based components for implants and surgical tools.
- Performance Apparel: Designing for companies like Nike, Under Armour, or Patagonia.
- Automotive Industry: Working on interior safety systems (airbags/seatbelts) and composite parts.
- Chemical Companies: Developing the polymers and dyes that start the textile process.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because this is a specialized engineering niche with fewer graduates than civil or mechanical engineering, salaries are quite competitive.
- Textile/Materials Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $95,000–$115,000.
- Research and Development Leads: Salaries typically range from $105,000 to $140,000.
- Technical Designers (Technical Apparel): Median annual salary of around $85,000–$110,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $72,000 and $85,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the scientific versatility. You must be proficient in Organic Chemistry (to understand fibers) and Physics (to understand structural mechanics). It requires a "meticulous" mindset, as small changes in fiber diameter or weave pattern can drastically change how a material performs. It is an engineering major that combines heavy lab work with high-level computer simulation.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Are fascinated by the "feel" and "function" of different materials
- Love Chemistry but want to apply it to something physical and tangible
- Want to work on the "cutting edge" of technology like wearable electronics or bio-medicine
- Are interested in the "Green Revolution" and want to fix the waste issues in the global fashion industry
- Enjoy a mix of creative design and rigorous scientific analysis
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Chemistry and Physics available
- Master your Math through Calculus
- Join a robotics or "Science Olympiad" team to practice material selection
- Learn basic CAD software to get comfortable with 3D modeling and design
- Read about "Nano-fibers" and "Carbon-neutral textiles" to see where the future of the industry lies
The ability to engineer the fundamental fibers that protect, heal, and empower human activity is the hallmark of a successful textile engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor