Attending a fashion program in Missouri can get you started in this competitive industry. There are 11 programs located throughout the state, eight of which have graduate-level programs. An average acceptance rate of 66% gives you good odds of getting into the program of your choice.
The average cost of tuition in Missouri is $17,214, but there are many schools that are less expensive than this; tuition can be as low as $4,189 at Northwest Missouri State University.
Missouri State University has a great selection of fashion scholarships, including the Paula Kindrick Hartsfield Family and Consumer Sciences Education Scholarship and the Jo Anne Booher Scholarship.
After earning your fashion degree, you can start your career and begin earning your stripes in the business. You may find job openings with retailers, fashion designers, and marketing companies. In Missouri, some of the biggest fashion employers are JC Penney, GAP Inc., and Nordstrom. The economy in Missouri is improving; the current unemployment rate is 5.9% (BLS, 2013).
The salary you can earn depends on your experience level and seniority. As you gain years of experience, your income potential can grow. The average salary for a fashion designer in Missouri is $70,990 per year, and merchandise displayers earn an average salary of $25,360 per year (BLS, 2012). Marketing specialists can earn an average salary of $63,070 per year (BLS, 2012).