Enrolling in the best fashion schools means that you will deal with apparel, jewelry, cosmetics, accessories, and many more. This determines that pursuing a career in the fashion industry is not usual.
Thus, finding the best fashion schools to receive professional training and accumulate contacts can be of great significance to you. The United States is one of the leading countries in the fashion design industry and boasts numerous famous fashion institutions.
We have compiled a list of the best fashion schools in the US for your choice. If you have made up your mind to join the fashion industry, these schools may be suitable starting points for you.
What Is a Fashion School?
A fashion school generally refers to an institution explicitly focused on fashion education. They are specialized for students who want to pursue a career in the fashion industry. In a broader sense, it also includes colleges and schools teaching fashion in comprehensive universities.
In fashion schools, students will receive professional training in both the classroom and the field. A lot of opportunities for internships within the industry are also available in specific fashion schools.
Types of the Best Fashion Schools in the World
Students aspiring to pursue a fashion-related education can select from a broad range of fashion schools in US, each of which can meet individual expectations including personal circumstances, learning styles, and career planning. Specialized institutions solely focus on fashion, while others impart fashion knowledge within the broader subject of art and humanities.
- Specialized art and design colleges, such as the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design
- Programs provided by comprehensive universities, such as the Fashion Design and Management program at Cornell University
- Vocational schools offering fashion design certificates
- Community colleges offering associate degrees in fashion design
Ranking System of the Best Fashion Schools
Ranking can be a useful tool when you feel at a loss to decide where to go or which one to choose. However, the problem is that there is no authoritative or governmental ranking of the fashion schools in US and the ranking criteria are not always transparent. When attempting to stratify the fashion styling schools in America, some factors can be regarded as criteria:
- Public reputation of the school
- Facilities on the campus
- Academic outcomes
- Alumni
- Industry evaluation
- Student response
The QS World University Rankings by Subject is one example of the ranking of the best fashion schools in the world.
Best Fashion Schools: 10 Best Fashion Schools in the US
When it comes to the best fashion design schools in US, people may have different views in accordance with their own criteria. By surveying 286,000 fashion executives, graduates, global fashion influencers, and many other industry professionals, the CEOWORLD magazine issued a list of the Best Fashion Schools In The World For 2024. Our ranking takes the CEOWORLD list as an important reference.
1. Parsons School of Design
Parsons School of Design is one of the top fashion schools in US as well as the top 3 globally. The activities and accomplishments of its graduates and the groundbreaking academic contributions of teaching staff combine to make its reputation. Parsons has launched the careers of prestigious designers including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Anna Sui. The college has also cooperated with leading brands such as Kering, Tory Burch, and Swarovski. As the center of The New School, Parsons draws on other academic disiplines to deliver an interdisciplinary education.
- Location: 66 West 12th Street, New York City, NY
- Tuition: $20,000 to $30,000 each semester
- Number of Students: 10,250 Students
- Acceptance Rate: 63% (for out-of-state applicants)
- Courses Offered: Graphic design, digital design, interior design, fashion business, fashion marketing, and the social sciences…
2. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Fashion Institute of Technology is an outstanding public college founded in the year of 1944. International society has recognized it as the leader in fashion design, technology, and business for 80 years. FIT strives to provide students with a mixture of practical experience and academic resources, preparing students for professional excellence in fashion sub-fields through adaptable academic programs, experiential learning, and innovative partnerships. Well-known alumni of FIT are Norma Kamali, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Joel Schumacher.
- Location: 227 West 27th St, New York City, NY
- Tuition: $8050 to $22,572 each semester
- Number of Students: 8150 Students
- Acceptance Rate: 58% (for undergraduate applicants)
- Courses Offered: Advertising and marketing communications, fashion design, fashion and culture of the world, visual presentation and exhibition design…
3. Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design was formerly known as the Nesbitt College of Design Arts. It is one of the prominent colleges of Drexel University. As the creative center of the comprehensive Drexel University, the College aims to train the future generation of scholars and doers in the fields of media, entertainment, design, and the visual and performing arts. It offers 8 graduate programs and 18 undergraduate majors for students.
- Location: 3501 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
- Tuition: $60,000 each semester (average)
- Number of Students: 22,344 Students (whole university)
- Acceptance Rate: 78% (average rate of Drexel University)
- Majors: Animation and visual effects, architecture, art history, fashion design, fashion industry and merchandising.
4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Savannah College of Art and Design is a private art school founded in 1978. It is said to offer more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design university. SCAD prepares potential talents for creative professions through immersive teaching and learning in a positive university environment.
- Location: 342 Bull St, Savannah, GA
- Tuition: $42,120 each year (for undergraduate)
- Number of Students: 11,398 Students
- Acceptance Rate: 81.7% (average rate of Drexel University)
- Majors: Apparel And Textile Marketing Management, Consumer Merchandising/retailing Management, Art History, Fiber, Textile And Weaving Arts…
5. Rhode Island School of Design(RISD)
Rhode Island School of Design is a private art and design school with a history of more than 150 years. It ranked 4th in Regional Universities North by QS World Universities Rankings 2024. RISD aspires to cultivate expansive and elastic thinking to equip artists, designers and scholars to shape the real world. Its notable alumni include Angus MacLane, Michael Dante Dimartino, Seth Macfarlane, and many others.
- Location: 2 College Street, Providence, RI
- Tuition: $ 59,683 per year
- 2024 Enrollment: 2538+ Students
- Acceptance Rate: 17 %
- Majors: Apparel And Textiles; Textile Science; Fiber, Textile And Weaving Arts; Fine Arts And Art Studies, Other; Visual And Performing Arts…
6. Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is a private institution established in 1887. As one of the best fashion design schools, Pratt Institute aims to provide future creative leaders with the professional knowledge and experience to improve reality. It is a world-known fashion styling school with programs in art, design, architecture, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies.
- Location: 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
- Tuition: $ 59,821 per year
- 2023 Enrollment: 3,814 Students
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Majors: Graphic Design; Industrial and Product Design; Interior Design; Visualization/Representation; Contextualizing Fashion; Drape and Construct; History of Modern Fashion…
7. Stephens College
Stephens College is a private college founded for females. Founded in 1833, it is the second-oldest women’s educational institution in the United States. Before 2024, the college had three schools, namely the School of Health Sciences, the Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and the School of Integrative Studies. The three schools are now incorporated into two: the Women’s College and the all-gender Conservatory for the Performing Arts.
- Location: 1200 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO
- Tuition: $ 24,586 each semester(for undergraduate)
- Acceptance Rate: 64.2 %
- Majors: Liberal Arts And Sciences/Liberal Studies, Costume Design, Drama And Dramatics/theatre Arts, General, Fashion/apparel Design, Apparel And Textiles…
8. Cornell University, College of Human Ecology
College of Cornell Human Ecology is one of four State University of New York (SUNY) contract colleges at Cornell University. It features high-quality education, research, and public engagement. There are five academic departments in the college: Design and Environmental Analysis, Fiber Science and Apparel Design, Human Development, Policy Analysis and Management, and Nutritional Sciences. The College incorporates study areas such as design, design thinking, consumer science, public policy, human development and textiles, each through the perspective of human ecology.
- Location: 616 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY
- Number of Students: 1700+ Students
- Acceptance Rate: 8 % (Cornell University)
- Majors: Design and Environmental Analysis, Fiber Science and Apparel Design, with possible options in Apparel Design, Fashion Design Management, or Fiber Science; Health and Society; Human Development…
9. School of Fashion at Kent State University
The School of Fashion at Kent State University is a part of the College of the Arts of the University. Thanks to its global approach to education and thoroughness in curating extraordinary programs, the School of Fashion at Kent State University rivals other fashion schools in America’s larger fashion cities. Programs of the School prepare students for a career in the fashion industry by providing a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Stephen Baum, Jade Frampton and Scott French are famous alumni of the School of Fashion at Kent State University.
- Location: 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH
- Acceptance Rate: 87 % (Kent State University)
- Courses: Fashion Fundamentals; Fashion Visuals; Fashion Fabrics; Basics of Apparel Construction; History of Costume…
10. Marist College
Marist College is a private, liberal arts college founded in 1929. It ranked a Top 50 “College That Creates Futures”. Marist College is dedicated to fostering a college experience that is grounded in the liberal arts and emphasizes pre-professional training. At Marist College, students tailor their living and learning experiences to what sparks their passions and prepares them for lifelong success.
- Location: 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY
- Tuition: $ 23,460 each semester
- Number of Students:6,464 Students
- Acceptance Rate: 63 %
- Courses: Fashion in Culture & Commerce; Fashion Design; Apparel Development; Digital Fashion Design; Textiles; Fashion Figure Drawing…
Options of Fashion Degree
There are various fashion design degrees, each emphasizing a specific aspect of the fashion industry and catering to career needs. The following are the main types:
Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design
To achieve a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design, you need to undergo a comprehensive education in fashion design, learning about pattern-making, garment construction, textiles, the history of fashion, etc. You will have a hands-on experience and fashion internship. A Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design shares some features with a BFA but with more emphasis on technical skills.
Master’s Degree in Fashion Design
Compared with a BFA in Fashion Design, a master’s degree encourages students to resolve the current problems in the industry as well as the whole world. Students should propose innovative ideas with interdisciplinary views, combining art with technology.
Associate Degree in Fashion Design
Most of the associate degrees are 2-year programs that offer students fundamental knowledge in the fashion field. The associate degree is generally offered by community colleges and vocational colleges. Graduates with the associate degree can come to work or transfer to a 4-year program.
Career Outcomes After the Best Fashion Schools
Students graduating from the best fashion design schools can embrace a variety of job opportunities in the fashion industry.
- Fashion Designer: A fashion designer is capable of originally conceptualizing and creating apparel, jewelry, footwear, and many other accessories. They are responsible for a fashion idea from its initial inspiration and final production. It is no exaggeration to say that fashion designer occupies the most crucial position in the industry.
- Fashion Merchandiser: Working as a fashion merchandiser means that you negotiate between the fashion designer and the consumer. You need to convey the original ideas of the designer to the consumer, creating a space for profit. Besides, you should strive to style the brand identity, stabilizing its image in the consumer’s mind, which is directly related to brand value.
- Fashion Consultant: A fashion consultant sits at the intersection of fashion designer, consumer, and fashion business. They utilize their expertise in the fashion industry to give their clients advice on clothing, hairstyle, and any other fashion-related decisions. This requires that the consultant must keep up with or be ahead of the fashion trends.
Above are the usual career outcomes after the fashion school. Students may have their own choices depending on individual circumstances.
How to Choose Your Fashion Schools in America
Among the best schools for fashion, future fashion designer should choose one that suits you best. When making your decision, there are several factors for you to take into consideration:
- Public comment and Reputation: It will never miss to opt for reputed institutions. This ensures an above-average quality of education and helps you to accumulate your fashion network.
- Programs Offered: Fashion schools in America mostly provide various programs for undergraduates and graduates to choose from, which may include apparel design, jewelry design, fashion marketing, etc. Students who have a specific interest in a particular sub-field should give priority to institutions with professional programs for the sub-field. While for students who have not sought out their point of interest, comprehensive training may be more cultivative.
- Location: The location of a college, though not absolute, is still a significant element affecting your education. Colleges located within or near the metropolitan cities will no doubt bring you more opportunities of fashion internships and keep you updated with the latest fashion news.
- Tuition Fee and Living Cost: Attending a fashion school may be not wallet-friendly. You should evaluate the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and other living expenses. Besides, consult for available financial aid, scholarships, and other financial assistance.
- Alumni Network: Pay attention to the famous alumni of your target colleges since they are the forceful evidence of the education quality of the school. These big guys may also bring back exclusive benefits, including job opportunities and scholarships, for the school. Apart from the famous ones, you should research the general conditions of students after college, which may be a more effective indicator of your future.
Final Thoughts about Best Fashion Schools in the US
The question about the best fashion schools in the US has always been a heated debate. With the public comment and the research result of CEOWORLD magazine, we list the 10 best schools for fashion in America with their introduction and basic information.
Students graduating from these schools can get into the fashion industry as fashion designers, fashion merchandisers, fashion consultants, etc. They can also jump out of the industry and progress on a different path.
When choosing your fashion school, be aware of important factors, such as the college’s reputation, programs offered, location, tuition fee living cost, and alumni network. These indicators may help you in your choice.
We hope students who aspire to pursue a career in the fashion industry can be accepted by their dream school and embrace a bright future.
FAQs about Best Fashion Schools
What is the #1 fashion school in the US?
There is no agreement in the best fashion school in the US. Each people and institution has their own criteria. Most people hold Parsons School of Design as the top one fashion school in America because of its academic accomplishment, practical influence of the fashion industry, and its dazzling alumni. Other people also propose that the Fashion Institute of Technology(FIT) is the top one fashion school in America.
What is the #1 fashion school in the world?
The question about the best fashion school in the world is yet to settle. There are many ranking list to refer to. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, the following are top 3 fashion schools in the world:
Royal College of Art, London, UK
- University of the Arts London, London, UK
- Parsons School of Design at The New School, New York, USA
Is Iowa State a good fashion school?
Iowa State is no doubt an important fashion school in the US! The fashion education in Iowa State promises you a comprehensive base of knowledge about the industry. The students and faculty in Iowa State enjoy the cutting edge of global fashion education. It is a good choice for student to embark on their fashion career.
Is fashion school worth it?
It is undeniable that studying in a fashion school can be expensive. Come visit uhomes.com for economical US student accommodations! But researchers propose that a fashion degree can be lucrative in a long run. Statistics show that 6 years after graduation, the average salary of a student from FIT is $53,900.
