So you want to major in fashion design and are unsure how to begin? Well, this article is designed to help you find the best fashion schools in the US with fewer or no difficulties.
It’s essential to choose from the best list as whichever school decision you make can greatly impact your future.
That is why we have carefully researched and compiled a list of the best fashion schools in the US to go to regardless of whether or not you are an international student.
Continue to read to understand why you should study fashion in the US as well as the top fashion design schools in the US.
Why Should You Study Fashion in the US?
Basically, the US has been known as a great financial force on its own and holds an abundance of wealth. With a population of more than 325 million, the US has a more extensive customer base for your fashion business after you have completed your fashion program in one of the best fashion design schools in the US.
Inarguably, you are sure to choose from a pool of many great opportunities that will help you launch your career upon graduation from any of the best fashion design schools in the US on our list.
Best Fashion Design Schools in the US
Generally, the US has a population of over 325 million, as mentioned above, and is primarily recognized as one of the best study abroad destinations for international students due to the numerous majors and programs its prestigious universities offer.
Fashion design is one of the majors the universities in the US are well known for. Now, there are numerous fashion schools in the US, but how do you know which is best for you?
That is why we have carefully listed the 8 top fashion design schools in the US below with brief information about them to help you know what each school offers before going ahead with your application.
Now, let’s get right in!
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, NY
The Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, was founded in 1944 as a part of the State University of New York (SUNY). It is located on New York city’s 7th Avenue, which is most known as ‘Fashion Avenue,’ and is one of the best fashion schools in New York as well as in the US.
With a wide range of programs that foster innovation and collaboration, the school aims to nurture artistic and creative visionaries in the field of fashion. Also, it allows students to choose from the different concentrations in the fashion design major. These concentrations include sportswear, knitwear, and fashions for special occasions.
In addition, the Fashion Institute of Technology offers fashion marketing, textiles, business, visual arts, as well as numerous other fashion-related degrees.
Application Requirements
Portfolio of three projects, including the following:
4-9 photographs of a sewing project
4-8 images of fashion design artwork
3-6 images of sportswear coordinates with designs of a jacket, pant, top, and skirt item.
Programs: Design, Marketing, Business, Illustration, and Styling
Tuition: $13,550 for out-of-state residents
Parsons The New School
Parsons is also one of the best fashion schools in the US devoted to offering an exceptional approach to real-world learning. The school was founded in 1896 by William Merrit Chase in Greenwich Village.
The university comprises some globally recognized scholars, artists as well as practitioners in leading industries and academic fields. They offer programs in fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and advertising
It offers a BFA in Fashion Design y focusing on either of the following pathways:
Fashion product
Collection
Materiality or systems
Society
Application Requirements
Online application
500-word Essay
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
Portfolio comparison of 8-12 slides showcasing their work in fashion design
The Parsons challenge
Tuition: $38,510
Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA
This college was established in 1918 by the LA Times founder, Harrison Gray, Otis. Aside from being one of the best fashion design schools in the US, the college doubles as the US’ one of the most ethnically diverse private arts and design schools.
The school offers several merit-based scholarships, study grants, and loans to students. Also, they provide work-study opportunities for international students.
At this college, students are expected to dedicate their first two years to developing critical and creative thinking skills in the foundation studio, liberal arts and sciences, and the creative action courses.
Application Requirements
Online application
Portfolio
500-word personal statement
Official transcripts
Proof of English proficiency
SAT/CAT scores (optinal)
Tuition: $34,450
Pratt Institute New York
This institute was founded in 1887 in Brooklyn as a small private, not-for-profit school. It doubles as the 4th popular fashion school in New York and the 6th best school for design globally by Business Insider. It offers a BFA in Fashion Design.
In addition, the school aims to help students develop proficiency in a broad range of skills, which includes fluency in 2D as well as 3D construction processes and analysis of materials for sustainability. Also, skills in the construction of an actual collection.
Application Requirements
Official transcripts
Essay
English proficiency
Letter of recommendation
SAT/CAT test scores (optional)
Visual portfolio showing between 12-20 examples of their best work
Tuition: $37,500
Kent State University School of Fashion (Kent, OH)
The Kent State University School of Fashion is also one of the best fashion design schools in the US and doubles as one of the top 25 fashion schools globally.
The school has a museum that houses one of the biggest fashion and design-centric collections in the US. The fashion library comprises over 4,000 books and about 40 magazine subscriptions relevant to fashion, sustainability, design, and entrepreneurship.
Also, the university has a lab known as the TechStyleLab, which allows students to explore and utilize digital fabrication tools such as textile printers, embroidery machines, and laser cutters, as well as virtual reality.
Application Requirements
Proof of a minimum GPA of 3.0
ACT score of 21
SAT score of 1060
Tuition: $16,900
Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design (Philadelphia, PA)
This University was established in 1891 and named after alumna Antoinette Passo Westphal. It offers undergraduate program studies focusing on design and merchandising, interior design, and fashion design.
The university’s curriculum is based on studio and boutique style. In addition, students are provided with hands-on, creative experiences specifically designed to offer the students the opportunity to design apparel for industry leaders.
Furthermore, students are provided access to the studio and hih-tech equipment like laser cutters, trend forecasting software, 3D printers, virtual garment simulation as well as automated knitwear machines.
Application Requirements
Official transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Essay
Portfolio
Tuition: $39,700
Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
This university, also one of the best fashion design schools in the US, offers an apparel design program that focuses on the market and consumer-driven design. This program helps prepare students for careers in the sports and outdoor industries.
Basically, the university offers the program through the College of Business and aims to promote literacy in the fashion business, production, design, and marketing.
Application Requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in OSU classes as well as pre-design classes
Portfolio showcasing their abilities in fundamental design concepts and skills
Essay
Letter of recommendation
Official transcripts
Tuition: $21,450
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (Los Angeles, CA)
This university was founded in 1969 by Tonian Hohberg, and it has since remained one of the best fashion schools in the US.
The university offers more than 20 majors and degree programs in specialties such as beauty management, apparel technical design, digital marketing, and a master’s in business administration.
In addition, the university offers a teaching model which integrates the Classroom Partner Projects and Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising SuperLabs™. This lab helps students to create solutions for brands as well as develop their portfolios.
Application Requirements
Official transcripts
Letter of recommendation
Two-page admission essay
Portfolio
References
collegegazette.com – Best Fashion Design Schools in the US
Studyabroad.shiksha.com
educationplanetonline.com
FAQs
Should I study fashion in the US?
With a population of more than 325 million, the US has a more extensive customer base for your fashion business after you have completed your fashion program in one of the best fashion design schools in the US.
What is the #1 fashion school in the US?
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, NY
- Parsons The New School
- Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA
- Pratt Institute New York
- Kent State University School of Fashion (Kent, OH)
- Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design (Philadelphia, PA)
- Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
- Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (Los Angeles, CA)
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