Michigan can be a great state for aspiring fashion designers, merchandisers, and marketers. There are 13 fashion schools in Michigan, all located in the Lower Peninsula. Seven of these schools have graduate programs. Michigan schools have an average acceptance rate of 68%, which is promising for new students.
The average cost of tuition is $11,922, but tuition ranges from $3,840 to $20,532. There are a variety of scholarship opportunities, and the average scholarship award in Michigan is $5,649. One scholarship opportunity at Wayne State University is the Marji Kunz Memorial Scholarship for fashion design and merchandising students.
There are several different careers you can pursue as a fashion graduate, depending on which degree you have. Many fields hire fashion graduates, including retail, marketing, and fashion design. Some of the most significant employers in Michigan include J. Crew Group, Forever 21, JC Penney, and Express Fashion. Although the unemployment rate is 8.4%, it is on the decline (BLS, 2013).
The salary you depends largely on what career you pursue and how much experience you have. Designers in Michigan earn an average salary of $57,610 per year, and merchandise displayers earn an average salary of $26,230 (BLS, 2012). Marketing specialists, including those in the fashion industry, earn an average salary of $59,900 (BLS, 2012).