Ever dream of seeing your designs strut down runways or grace the pages of Vogue? The US is a breeding ground for creative minds in the fashion world. From the bustling ateliers of New York to the West Coast's trendsetting vibe, there's a school waiting to ignite your inner Coco Chanel. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what happens." Here are the 15 best fashion schools in the US that offer comprehensive courses in fashion design, merchandising, marketing, and more.
What is a Fashion School? A fashion school provides specialised degrees for aspiring fashion industry professionals, offering various majors and teaching skills like needlework, design, and patternmaking. Beyond drawing and sewing, it encompasses history, business, illustration, and technology, reflecting cultural influences. While beneficial, formal education isn't mandatory, with emphasis on creativity and visual acumen.
15 Best Fashion Colleges in the US If you consider the US as your country of choice to study fashion, we have a great selection of programmes for you. Here are some of the 15 best fashion schools in the US, along with their location, QS ranking, and famous alumnus that should be on your target list:
1. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Location: New York
Average Tuition Fees: $10,000 - $15,000
Famous Alumni: Calvin Klein, Michael Kors
QS Rank: 101
Acceptance Rate: 52.8%
Number of students: 10,386
Every fashion design student who aspires to study in the United States has their eyes set on the prestigious and well-known Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Known as one of the best fashion schools in the US, FIT provides students with all of the knowledge and skills they need to become the next big fashion mogul in the industry. Lastly, even with tight and selective eligibility criteria, a bone for creativity and a running flair for fashion will make you a right fit for ‘FIT’.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Business Management
b. Jewellery Design
c. Accessory Design
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Art Market Studies (MA)
b. Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management (MPS)
c. Fashion Design (MFA)
d. Illustration (MFA)
Study at US's best fashion school peacefully with comfortable student accommodations offered by us!
Book through amber today!
Visit Us
2. Parsons The New School Location: New York
Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs
QS Rank: 641-650
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Number of students: 6217
With cut-throat competition with the FIT, Parsons The New School has climbed its way to become one of the top recommended and best fashion schools in the US. With a strong academic and practical presence, students are encouraged to cultivate their artistic side of design, like concept creation and design thinking, that will help them carve and flourish their paths to careers such as becoming head designer or creative executive of a brand.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Marketing
b. Fashion Design
c. Fashion Studies
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Design Studies
3. Pratt Institute Location: New York
Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Jeremy Scott, Paul Rand
QS Rank: #10
Acceptance Rate: 50.4%
Number of Students: 2269
Do you notice a trend here? It does not come as a shock that most of the best fashion schools in the US are housed in the global fashion capital city of New York. In addition, Pratt Institute has also become an upcoming choice for students who are planning to pursue their fashion degrees. In fact, this institute is also present in one of the best neighbourhoods in New York , making it a perfect choice for you to study.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Design, BFA
b. Interior Design, Minor
c. Textiles, Minor
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Communications Design, MFA
b. Industrial Design, MID
c. Interior Design, MFA
4. Savannah College of Art and Design Location: Savannah, Georgia
Average Tuition Fees: $25,000 - $35,000
Famous Alumni: M. Alice LeGrow, Tracy Yardley
QS Rank: #16
Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
Number of Students: 10,740
Are you searching for the best fashion schools in America? We bet Savannah College of Art and Design will be one name on every fashion aspirant's tip of the tongue. For decades, SCAD has been standing tall in the list of the best fashion schools in the US for its strong commitment to helping its students think out of the box to become world-class designers. While studying with like-minded fashion people, you will learn to potentialise your knowledge into creating world-renowned jewellery lines, runway collections, and innovative things that will charge into a fashion revolution.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion
b. Accessory Design
c. Jewellery
d. Business of Beauty and Fragrance
e. Fashion Marketing and Management
f. Fibres
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion
b. Accessory Design
c. Jewellery
5. Otis College of Arts and Design Location: Los Angeles
Average Tuition Fees: $30,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Masami Teraoka, Robert Irwin
QS Rank: #151-200
Acceptance Rate: 83.3%
Number of Students: 1,380
Unlike other best fashion schools in the US, Otis College of Arts and Design takes a different approach when it comes to teaching fashion to its students. The school believes in a collaborative environment where students can collaborate with their seniors and is committed to bringing change by including sustainable fashion as one of its electives. Apart from these reasons, this best fashion design schools is also lauded for its bright curriculum that includes mastering your skills in degrees like fashion design.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. BFA in Fashion Design
b. BFA in Environmental Design
c. BFA in Fine Arts
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. MFA Fine Arts
b. MFA Graphic Design
6. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Location: Los Angeles
Average Tuition Fees: $30,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Amanda Bynes, Lauren Conrad
QS Rank: #51-100
Acceptance Rate: 41.7%
Number of Students: 8,000
Another feather in the cap of the best fashion design schools, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising , also known as FIDM, has plagued the entire West Coast with its excellent standards and resources for studying fashion. The institute is set to have high employability and satisfaction rates from its alumni, making it one of the best fashion schools in the US.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Apparel Industry Management
b. Fashion Design
c. Fashion Knitwear Design
d. Merchandise Marketing
e. Advanced Fashion Design
f. International Manufacturing & Product Development
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Design
b. Costume Design
7. Columbus College of Art and Design Location: Columbus, Ohio
Average Tuition Fees: $20,000 - $30,000
Famous Alumni: Daisy Aldan, Frank Eliscu
QS Rank: #299
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Number of Students: 1,413
Columbus College of Art and Design is a ‘pure’ design school that can be a good place to plunge yourself into the world of fashion design. Compared to other best fashion schools in the US, this college is a relatively budget-friendly college for students who wish to pursue a career in fashion. To deepen students' fashion senses further, the college has erected labs, studios and fashion designing course that assist them in flowing their creative juices, designing, and creating.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Design
b. Design Research
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. MPS in Retail Design
8. Rhode Island School Of Design Location: Rhode Island
Average Tuition Fees: $50,000 - $60,000
Famous Alumni: James Franco, Seth MacFarlane
QS Rank: #3
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Number of Students: 2,140
Do you want to launch your career and climb the fashion industry ladder faster? Consider applying to the top fashion schools in the US, Rhode Island School of Design . One of the best fashion schools in the US, Rhode uses advanced modern-day techniques that are useful in the industry, like superior design sketching, which is important for exploring and communicating ideas. Along with their abundance of knowledge, this best fashion school in the US is also very generous with giving their students top-notch opportunities to excel.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. BFA in Jewellery
b. BFA in Textiles
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. MFA in Jewellery
b. MFA in Textiles
9. Drexel University Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $45,000
Famous Alumni: Chuck Barris, Michael Behe
QS Rank: 601-650
Acceptance Rate: 79.6%
Number of Students: 2,920
Drexel University is making its way to becoming one of the best fashion schools in the US. But why does Drexel have an unbeatable reputation amongst the top fashion design schools? Drexel University fashion design alums have shined worldwide in different parts of the continent by grabbing big employment opportunities. The college encourages students to participate in exchange programs with well-reputed universities like the London College of Fashion. And so many more reasons why Drexel University makes it to the best colleges for fashion design list.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. B.S. Fashion Design
b. B.S. Design and Merchandising
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. M.S. Fashion Design
b. M.S. Retail and Merchandising
10. Academy of Art University Location: San Francisco
Average Tuition Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Famous Alumni: Scott Borrero
QS Rank: #151-200
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Number of Students: 19,700
Academy of Art University is a very low-key yet well-coveted university for fashion design students. Established in 1929, it is also one of the oldest and best fashion schools in the US. It has seen a significant rise in popularity because of its excellence and exceptional track record of showing up at the New York Fashion Week. Being a top contender for the fashion design colleges, it has been home to many designers for a decade; now it's your chance to mark your print on the wall of the notable alumni.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. AA in Fashion
b. BFA in Fashion with an Emphasis in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or Knitwear Design
c. BA in Fashion Product Development
d. BA in Costume Design
e. BA in Fashion Journalism
f. Fashion Marketing
g. Fashion Merchandising
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Costume Design
b. Fashion Art Direction
c. Fashion Journalism
d. Fashion Marketing and Brand Management
11. Thomas Jefferson University Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average Tuition Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
Famous Alumni: John Heysham Gibbon
QS Rank: #351-400
Acceptance Rate: 63.9%
Number of Students: 2,100
If good exposure, a diverse curriculum, and high employability are your priorities, then Thomas Jefferson University might be the right place for you! Both these programmes are rigorous and comprehensive in nature, which helps in in-depth learning and knowledge about the particular field. It is considered one of the best fashion colleges in the US, as the courses are very good at exposing students to the work side of fashion.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Design
b. Textile Design
c. Textile Materials Technology
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Global Fashion Enterprise
b. Textile Design
c. Textile Engineering
d. Textile Engineering and Sciences
12. Kent State University Location: Ohio
Average Tuition Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Famous Alumni: Jeff Richmond, Steve Harvey
QS Rank: 1001-1200
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Number of Students: 18,200
Kent State University is another one of the best schools for fashion design . Considered one of the best fashion schools in the US, it allows its students to exchange programmes with other top-tier colleges like Paris Academy in Paris and the University of Palazzo in Florence. Moreover, the cherry on the cake is that this university has an employability rate of a record more than 90%, which is huge when compared to other good colleges for fashion design.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. B.A. Fashion Design, Track I – Conceptual
b. B.A. Fashion Design, Track II – Technical
c. B.S. Fashion Merchandising
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. MA in Fine Arts (Fashion)
b. MFA in Design/Technology – Costume Design
c. MBA with a Concentration in Fashion Design and Merchandising
13. Iowa State University Location: Ames, Iowa
Average Tuition Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Famous Alumni: Clayton Anderson
QS Rank: #501
Acceptance Rate: 90.2%
Number of Students: 24,280
You shouldn't be surprised, but Iowa State University also holds a place in our list of the best fashion schools in the US! Usually, some of the best fashion schools in the US have a very limited scope of options. When you're studying in another country, like the US, it's crucial to know about USA student visa requirements . This knowledge boosts your chances of successfully navigating the visa process without any legal hiccups.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Apparel
b. Merchandising
c. Design
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Apparel
b. Merchandising
c. Design
14. Maryland Institute College of Art Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Average Tuition Fees: $50,000 - $60,000
Famous Alumni: Jeff Koons
QS Rank: #33
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Number of Students: 3,850
Maryland Institute College of Art , or MICA, has been in the press for all good reasons! Being one of the best fashion schools in the US, MICA usually offers only undergraduate courses for fashion, which are very niched to a BFA in Fiber with a concentration in experimental fashion. If you have a deep interest in fashion and have the knowledge required for fibre, then this best fashion schools in the US would be the best for upskilling.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. BFA in Fiber with a concentration in Experimental Fashion
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Illustration
b. Design Leadership
15. Marist College Location: Poughkeepsie, New York
Average Tuition Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
Famous Alumni: Bill O'Reilly
QS Rank: #10
Acceptance Rate: 62.8%
Number of Students: 24,950
Marist College is one last noteworthy mention in the list of the best fashion schools in the US. With two options for fashion design and merchandising, this college is an all-rounder for building strong portfolios in the fashion industry. There are many activities for fashion design majors to have a chance to boast their creations through a fashion show. In fact, they are judged by well-known fashion industry figures. With its years of teaching excellence, location, opportunities, and employability, Marist College is one of the best fashion schools in the US.
Undergraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Fashion Design
b. Textile Design
c. Textile Materials Technology
Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes
a. Global Fashion Enterprise
b. Textile Design
c. Textile Engineering
d. Textile Engineering
The Ranking System Ranking lists are useful for getting a general sense of the best fashion schools in the US that may align with your interests. However, many lack standardised criteria and transparency in their ranking processes. Here are some of the criteria:
1. General School Reputation: Breaking into the fashion industry is highly competitive. Thus, undergraduate students must attend the best fashion schools in the US that are well-regarded by industry professionals.
2. Strength of Related Graduate Programs: The best fashion schools in the US with respected graduate programs in fashion or related design fields were favoured. Even though the focus is on undergraduate programs, the presence of strong graduate departments provides valuable resources and expertise that benefit undergraduate students.
3. Alumni: A high number of notable alumni indicates a strong program and a well-connected alumni network. Successful graduates enhance the school's reputation and can facilitate job opportunities for new graduates.
4. Location: Proximity to major fashion capitals like NYC, Paris, Milan, London, and Hong Kong is advantageous. These locations offer the best internship and job opportunities, as well as access to galleries and design studios. The best fashion schools in the US in these cities, or with programs in these locations, are highly regarded.
In conclusion, studying fashion design at one of the best fashion schools in the US will reap many benefits in terms of personal growth, knowledge and employability. As you prepare for admission to one of the best fashion schools in the US, exploring resources like amber's insightful blogs on entrance exams such as SAT and GRE can be invaluable for your journey ahead.