Massachusetts has a great selection of fashion degrees at their 13 fashion schools. There are five schools with graduate degrees, and all 13 schools have undergraduate degrees. The average cost of tuition is $16,896, but tuition in Massachusetts can be as low as $970 at Framingham State University.
Scholarships are abundant in Massachusetts, and they can help you pay less for your fashion degree. Lasell College has an average scholarship award of $13,865, the highest in the state. With the Presidential Scholarship, you can get $12,000 per year for four years.
You can start your fashion career after you earn your degree. While your specific options depend on your degree, you may find job listings from retailers, marketing firms, and design companies. Some of the largest fashion employers in Massachusetts are USTrendy, JC Penney, Urban Outfitters Inc., and Alton Lane. The economy in Massachusetts has been improving steadily, and the unemployment rate has recently dropped to 7% (BLS, 2013).
Salaries vary significantly between careers. Your salary is likely to increase as you gain relevant experience in the field. Fashion designers earn an average salary of $69,510 per year and merchandise displayers earn an average salary of $32,740 (BLS, 2012). Marketing specialists earn an average salary of $68,580 per year (BLS, 2012).