If you have a passion for style, garment creation, and trend-setting, you may be interested in a fashion design degree. Fashion design is a dynamic field that blends creativity and innovation, along with technical skill. Unsurprisingly, fashion design schools help students develop the skills they need to influence and shape the world of fashion. However, not all of the best colleges or best art schools offer a fashion design degree. So, let’s take a look at the ones that do!
In this article, we’ll explore essential information about the fashion design major. Then, we’ll explore the top fashion design schools in the world, like the Parsons School of Design and the London College of Fashion. We’ll also discuss how to apply to the best colleges for fashion design, including potential college essay topics and portfolios.
Here’s just a taste of what we’ll cover in regards to exploring fashion design schools:
- The Role of a Fashion Designer: Answers to the question, “What does a fashion designer do day-to-day?” along with the essential skills they use and their various roles within the industry.
- Fashion Design Degree and Course Requirements: An overview of the fashion design degrees available and the essential coursework required to complete a fashion design degree.
- Career Outlook: Insights into whether fashion design is a good career path, covering potential job opportunities, average salaries, and the overall demand for fashion designers.
- Best Fashion Design Schools: A roundup of the top fashion design schools abroad and in the U.S., including fashion design schools in Texas, fashion design schools in New York, and fashion design schools in Chicago.
- Applying to Fashion Design Colleges: Guidance on creating a strong application, including portfolio tips and recommended college essay topics for making your essays shine.
- Choosing the Right School: Advice on selecting the best colleges to pursue a fashion design degree for your unique goals and interests.
To start, let’s begin with a breakdown of what a fashion design major might do after college.
What does a Fashion Designer do?
The role of a fashion designer is multifaceted, requiring a unique blend of creativity and technical skills. But what does a fashion designer do? At the core, their responsibilities include conceptualizing innovative designs, selecting the right fabrics, creating detailed patterns, and collaborating with manufacturers to bring their visions to life.
To meet these responsibilities, a successful fashion designer must master a variety of skills. These skills include sewing, draping, pattern making, and garment construction. Indeed, many aspiring designers choose to attend fashion design colleges to develop these skills while gaining insights into the industry. With a fashion design degree, students can feel more prepared for the challenges and demands of the field.
A fashion design degree from one of the top fashion design schools can certainly lead to becoming a fashion designer. However, a fashion design degree can also prepare you for a few other closely related roles.
Let’s take a look at five potential careers for students with a fashion design degree.
5 Careers in Fashion
Fashion Designer
Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics, and oversee the production process. This role often involves staying current with fashion trends and understanding consumer preferences.
Technical Designer
Technical designers focus on the practical aspects of clothing production. They ensure that designs can be manufactured efficiently and meet quality standards. This role requires strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, and sizing.
Pattern Maker
Pattern makers create the templates used to cut fabric for garments. They interpret designs and translate them into patterns, taking into account fabric characteristics and garment fit. Precision is crucial in this role, as the patterns directly affect the final product’s quality.
Fashion Merchandiser
Fashion merchandisers bridge the gap between design and retail. They analyze market trends, develop product lines, and strategize how to promote and sell clothing. This role involves a mix of marketing and sales, often working closely with both designers and retailers.
Fashion Consultant
Fashion consultants advise individuals or companies on style, trends, and wardrobe choices. Strong communication skills and an eye for aesthetics are essential in this role.
Types of fashion degrees
Fashion isn’t just about making clothes: it’s an entire universe of creativity and business. If you’re thinking about attending one of the best fashion design colleges, knowing the types of degrees you can pursue is extremely important.
You’ll want to make sure the schools on your list have a degree that’s relevant to the specific area of fashion you’re interested in. Plus, doing your research is key to ensuring your college essay topics align with the school’s offerings.
Here are some of the main types of fashion degrees that might pique your interest:
Fashion Degree Types
Fashion Design: This fashion design major is for those who dream about sketching their own clothing lines. You’ll learn everything from design principles to garment construction and textile science.
Fashion Merchandising: Love the idea of being the brains behind the brands? Fashion merchandising is all about the business side of fashion. You’ll focus on buying, planning, and selling products.
Fashion Marketing: If you’re more into the promotion side, a degree in fashion marketing could be your calling. This program teaches you how to create compelling marketing campaigns, understand consumer behavior, and manage a brand’s image.
Textile Science: Got a passion for fabrics and materials? Textile science dives deep into the study of fibers and fabrics. This fashion design major is perfect if you’re interested in innovation and sustainability within the fashion industry.
Fashion Management: A fashion management degree is for future leaders in the fashion world. You’ll learn about supply chain management, business strategies, and sustainability.
Fashion design degree levels
Within the top fashion design schools, fashion programs are available at various levels:
- Certificates/Associate Degrees: Provide foundational skills for entry-level roles.
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Offer in-depth education, opening doors to advanced opportunities.
- Master’s Degrees: Focus on advanced concepts and leadership, ideal for high-level or specialized roles.
Exploring the best fashion design schools can help you find the right program. Therefore, look into top fashion design schools like Parsons School of Design, London College of Fashion, and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Whether you’re eyeing fashion design schools in Texas or New York, or even the best fashion design schools in the world, picking the right fashion design degree can set you up for an exciting career in the fashion industry.
Fashion Designer Course Requirements
Regardless of your fashion design degree, there are some core classes fundamental to your training as a future designer. Here’s a look at what you can expect at most fashion design colleges:
Core Classes in Fashion Programs
Pattern Making/Construction: In these courses, you’ll learn how to create patterns and construct garments. Specifically, this is where you get hands-on with fabrics and sewing machines.
Fashion Illustration/Drawing: Here is where you’ll develop your skills in sketching and illustrating and learn how to put your creative ideas on paper.
History of Art and Fashion: These courses will help you discover the evolution of fashion through the ages. Indeed, you’ll study iconic designers and major fashion movements.
Textile Science: Courses on textile science are all about diving deep into the world of fabrics. Therefore, you can expect to learn about different textiles and their uses in fashion.
In addition to the standard core classes associated with a fashion design degree, many fashion design colleges offer a variety of electives and specializations to help students tailor their education to their specific interests.
Exploring Fashion Design Programs
Here are a few examples of how some of the best fashion design schools in the world structure their programs to offer unique areas of focus:
FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology)
Known for its strong industry connections and hands-on learning approach, FIT offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in specialized areas such as children’s wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion, and sportswear. This allows students to concentrate on specific segments of the fashion market.
Pratt Institute
With a curriculum that integrates creative design with technical skills, Pratt encourages students to explore advanced courses that deepen their expertise in design techniques and materials. Pratt also offers study-abroad programs, enabling students to gain global perspectives on fashion.
RISD (Rhode Island School of Design)
RISD’s fashion program strongly emphasizes ethical sourcing and sustainable fashion. Courses cover sustainable materials, ethical production processes, and eco-friendly design principles.
Now that we’ve covered what to expect from a fashion design education, let’s look at what lies beyond your degree.
Is Fashion Design a good career?
Suppose you’re considering pursuing a fashion design degree and enrolling in one of the best fashion design schools in the world. In that case, you’re probably weighing the realities of “what does a fashion designer do” with their overall lifestyle. To help you evaluate if fashion design is a good career, let’s discuss some pros and cons.
Career In Fashion Design Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High Creativity and Self-Expression A fashion design degree allows you to experiment and find your voice, whether you’re designing edgy streetwear or elegant evening wear. After training at the best fashion design colleges, you’ll have the skills you need to bring your ideas to life. | Highly Competitive Industry Fashion design is a highly sought-after field. While attending one of the top fashion design colleges can open doors, building a career often requires persistence and the help of a strong network. |
| Dynamic and Evolving Industry Fashion design is a constantly evolving field where trends and techniques change rapidly. If you thrive on innovation, you’ll love staying current with new fabrics, technology, and style influences. | Long Hours and High Pressure Deadlines and seasonal demands mean fashion designers frequently work long hours. Fashion design colleges may prepare you for the pressure, but the reality is intense, especially in fast-paced fashion hubs. |
| Variety of Work There’s more to fashion than just designing clothes. From accessories to sustainable fashion, this industry offers a range of opportunities. Some of the best fashion design colleges even provide specialized courses in areas like textile design or merchandising. | Financial Uncertainty While the dream is often a high salary, getting there takes time, and early career pay can be low. Only some become star designers after attending even the top fashion design schools. |
The fashion industry is growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 5% employment growth from 2023 to 2033. However, as is the case in any creative field, success and a high salary aren’t guaranteed. Choosing a fashion design degree at one of the best fashion design schools can give you the skills and connections to succeed. Still, it’s your passion, resilience, and creativity that will ultimately determine your path.
Fashion Designer Salary
When considering a career in fashion design, it’s natural to wonder about salary expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for fashion designers in the United States was approximately $76,700 annually.
While the median salary offers a good baseline, fashion design salaries can range significantly. According to U.S. News, entry-level designers or those working for smaller companies may start at around $40,000 annually. Meanwhile, established designers at top fashion houses or those with specialized skills can earn upwards of $130,000 annually.
Considering the salary range tied to fashion design, understanding the factors that influence a fashion designer’s earning potential is crucial. Here are a few key factors that may influence your salary:
Fashion Design Salary Key Factors
Geographic Location: Designers working in cities with a strong fashion presence, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, typically have higher salary ranges, though these areas also have a higher cost of living. Additionally, areas with prestigious fashion design colleges or established industry hubs often offer more opportunities.
Size of the Company: Larger, well-known fashion houses generally offer higher salaries than smaller, independent brands. Designers working for major corporations or luxury brands have higher earning potential than those working in startups or small boutique settings.
Years of Experience: As with many careers, experience significantly increases salary growth. Entry-level designers may start on the lower end, but with time, experience, and a strong portfolio, they can move into higher-paying positions or even start their own labels.
Ultimately, while a fashion design degree from one of the best fashion design schools in the world can be a valuable asset, a designer’s salary often reflects their unique skills, creativity, and the demand for their designs.
15 Best Fashion Design Schools
If you’re dreaming of becoming the next big name in fashion, finding the right fashion design college can be the key to transforming that passion into a successful career. As shared before, some of the best colleges and best art schools may not offer a fashion design major. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 15 fantastic fashion design schools, many of which are considered amongst the best fashion design schools in the world!
From the design schools of New York City to top universities across the country, these fashion design schools are a great place to start building your college list. Each school offers cutting-edge programs, hands-on experiences, and global connections that help bring fashion to life.
Top 15 Fashion Design Schools
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
At the top of the list is FIT, one of the best fashion design schools in New York City. FIT offers students access to a blend of fashion and business education with close ties to the industry. Known for its specialized programs in fashion business management, FIT prepares students with real-world merchandising, styling, and e-commerce skills.
2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
With campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and Hong Kong, SCAD emphasizes innovation in fashion, encouraging students to explore cutting-edge techniques and technology in their designs.
3. Pratt Institute
Situated in Brooklyn, New York, Pratt Institute combines art and design with a comprehensive fashion curriculum, focusing on both creativity and technical skill-building for a career in fashion design.
4. The New School Parsons
Parsons in New York City is highly respected for its forward-thinking approach, integrating fashion with social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
5. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)
Based in Los Angeles, FIDM offers hands-on experience in fashion design, marketing, and merchandising. It’s known for partnering with the entertainment and fashion industries for unique internship opportunities.
6. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Known for its rigorous art and design programs, RISD in Providence, Rhode Island, offers an interdisciplinary fashion curriculum that merges fine arts with technical skills.
7. Otis College of Art and Design
Located in Los Angeles, Otis emphasizes sustainable design and critical thinking, giving students the skills to impact the fashion industry responsibly.
8. Kent State University
Kent State in Ohio offers a strong fashion design program that includes study-abroad options in Florence, Italy, fostering a global perspective in fashion.
9. Drexel University
Drexel in Philadelphia incorporates a co-op program, allowing students to gain paid industry experience during their fashion studies.
10. Thomas Jefferson University
Also in Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson has a fashion design program that focuses on technical skill development, emphasizing material sciences and textile innovation.
11. Academy of Art University
Located in San Francisco, the Academy of Art University’s program offers a blend of traditional and digital techniques, including opportunities to showcase student work at New York Fashion Week.
12. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
SAIC is one of the top fashion design schools in Chicago. The school combines art and design education with a strong focus on conceptual thinking, allowing students to explore fashion in a fine arts context.
13. California College of the Arts (CCA)
With a campus in San Francisco, CCA provides a sustainable approach to fashion education, focusing on ethical production and environmental responsibility.
14. Iowa State University
Known for its research-driven fashion program, Iowa State University integrates textile science with fashion design, preparing students for technical roles in the industry.
15. Oregon State University
Oregon State University’s program highlights innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion, with a focus on sustainable practices and new technologies in apparel design.
In the following sections, we’ll focus on some of the best fashion design schools in New York, Chicago, and Texas. Later, we’ll expand our search to some of the top fashion design colleges in the world.
Fashion Design schools in New York
Above we listed the top 15 best fashion design schools in the world, some of which happen to be located in New York, specifically NYC. Here are a few additional schools that offer fashion design majors in the state of New York:
New York Fashion Design Schools
Cornell University
Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell offers a blend of technology and design through its fashion design major: Fiber Science & Apparel Design program. This fashion design degree allows students to explore topics like sustainable and innovative textiles, as well as learn about the scientific aspects of fibers. Cornell provides its students with a top-notch education, as well as access to high tech labs and industry connections.
Marist College
Named one of Forbes’ best fashion design schools in the world, Marist College’s fashion design degree combines technical fashion with business education. Marist is known for providing connections with prominent designers and fashion enterprises, including internship opportunities with brands like Michael Kors, Gucci, and Calvin Klein.
LIM College
In the heart of New York City, LIM College offers a fashion design degree that prepares its students for careers in fashion management, merchandising, and marketing. In doing so, LIM helps students answer the question, “What does a fashion designer do?” Through hands-on experiences like internships and industry partnerships, fashion students at LIM are well-prepared to succeed in their fashion careers.
For those considering the best fashion design schools in the world, particularly New York based programs, these schools can give you an edge, preparing you for the competitive fashion industry.
Fashion Design schools in Chicago
Chicago boasts a creative community that supports emerging designers. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to obtain a fashion design degree in this city. In addition to the well-known School of the Art Institute of Chicago, there are several other top fashion design schools in Chicago offering fashion design degrees:
Chicago Fashion Design Schools
Columbia College Chicago
Named one of Vogue’s best colleges for design, Columbia College Chicago’s Fashion Studies program is known for its hands-on approach to fashion education which integrates design, technology, and industry knowledge. The fashion design degree offers both a B.A. and a B.F.A. in Fashion Design. Both of the fashion design degree options cover subjects like apparel construction, digital illustration, sustainable design, and pattern making.
Dominican University
Located just outside of Chicago, Dominican University’s Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising curriculum blends creativity with business. The school offers two fashion degree majors: fashion design and fashion merchandising. The fashion design major emphasizes design fundamentals, garment construction, and textile knowledge. The fashion merchandising major focuses on retail and marketing. Dominican University also offers summer programs that allows students to explore global fashion markets in Paris, Milan, and New York City.
University of Chicago
Although not traditionally known for its fashion design degree, the University of Chicago offers opportunities to explore design and art in interdisciplinary ways. This approach allows students to merge their interest in fashion with other fields like business, computer science, or sociology and participate in workshops within Chicago’s vibrant art and fashion community.
No matter your interest, each of these schools offer unique fashion design degrees that will help students navigate the modern fashion world.
Fashion Design schools in Texas
Now that we have covered some of the top fashion design schools in New York and Chicago, let’s take a closer look farther south and focus on top fashion design schools in Texas:
Texas Fashion Design Schools
Auburn University
First up is Auburn University’s fashion design degree program. Its Apparel Design and Merchandising program offers two tracks: Apparel Merchandising and Apparel Design. Students will learn technical skills in apparel construction, illustration, and digital design while also taking courses in textiles, global production, and fashion marketing. The fashion design degree allows students to study abroad and build industry partnerships with real brands.
Baylor University
Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University offers a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Product Development. This fashion design degree combines design fundamentals with a business education. At Baylor, students will have the opportunity to participate in annual fashion shows and study abroad programs in New York, Paris, and the London College of Fashion.
University of North Texas
Located in Denton, TX, the University of North Texas offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. The fashion design major focuses on technical design, pattern making, sewing, fashion illustration, and digital design. The program’s proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth area gives students access to fashion industry events, internships, and job placements.
So far, we have talked a lot about the best fashion design schools in the U.S. Now, let’s explore some of the top fashion design schools across the world.
Best Fashion Design schools in the World
If you have searched, “What does a fashion designer do?”, you might have noticed the potential for an international career. Indeed, if you are interested in potentially working and studying internationally, there are great fashion design colleges all around the world.
Here are nine of the best fashion design schools in the world:
Best Fashion Design Schools Abroad
Aalto University
Located In Espoo, Finland, Aalto University’s fashion design degree is celebrated for its experimental approach to design and emphasis on sustainability. Students benefit from Finland’s thriving design culture and global industry connections.
Accademia Costume & Moda
With its location in Rome, a fashion world capital, it may be no surprise that Accademia Costume & Moda is among the best fashion programs in the world. It offers students an education deeply rooted in Italian design traditions. The school’s strong industry partnerships provide students with hands-on experience, especially in couture and costume design.
Bunka Fashion Graduate University
Our next school is located in the tech and culturally forward city of Tokyo, Japan. Bunka Fashion Graduate University offers a rigorous program with a global reputation for innovative design. The school’s focus on avant-garde fashion has produced many influential designers who have shaped the industry worldwide.
Central Saint Martins
Known for producing groundbreaking designers and industry leaders, Central Saint Martins is located in London, England. This fashion design degree emphasizes creativity and innovation, allowing students to push the boundaries of fashion.
Domus Academy
Our next fashion program takes us back to Italy. Located in Milan, Domus Academy offers a strong focus on design thinking and combines hands-on projects with industry collaboration. Students learn to approach design as a form of problem-solving and cultural expression.
Donghua University
Another program in Asia, Donghua University is recognized for its strong focus on textiles and fashion. This Shanghai-based university offers fashion design degrees that emphasize both the technical aspects of textile production and innovative design processes. By offering partnerships with leading industry players, the program provides its students with insights into global trends.
ESMOD International
One of the oldest fashion design schools in the world is next on our list: ESMOD International. Located in France, this school offers a fashion design major that covers all stages of fashion creation, from design to marketing. Students benefit from ESMOD’s extensive network of industry connections for real world exposure.
Institut Francais de la Mode
Located in Paris, the Institut Français de la Mode is a top institution for students looking to excel in high fashion and luxury brand management. Its connections with European and global luxury brands give students unique industry access to career opportunities.
Istituto Marangoni
Based in Milan, Istituto Marangoni is a prestigious fashion, art, and design school with campuses in major fashion capitals, including Milan, Florence, Paris, and London. In fact, this program has trained notable designers such as Domenico Dolce and Alessandro Sartori.
As you can see, the best art schools are spread out all over the world. No matter which state or country you hope to pursue your fashion design degree in, you’ll need to craft an application that stands out. So, keep reading for some tips on applying to the best fashion design schools!
Applying to Fashion Design schools
Here are 4 key steps to applying to fashion design schools:
1. Research programs
The first step to applying to top fashion design schools is to research different programs and their specific offerings. Be sure to explore program strengths and weaknesses. Look at the specific focus areas of each school, such as sustainability or digital design. This way you can find a program that best aligns with your career goals. Additionally, you may want to consider the location of the program and its industry access. For example, schools near fashion hubs like New York or Los Angeles are great opportunities to get hands-on experience in the field.
2. Organize application materials
Next, after researching programs, you should begin preparing your application materials. Gather all required academic records like transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Reach out to any teachers or mentors who can speak to your design abilities and work ethic. Additionally, fashion design colleges may require a personal statement or essays in which you can further explain your interest in fashion.
3. Create a portfolio
Your portfolio is arguably the most important component of a fashion design school application. Indeed, a strong portfolio showcases a range of skills and demonstrates the kind of work you hope to one day create. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the requirements of the fashion design colleges you’re applying to. For instance, you should know if they are looking for specific styles or techniques. When you are curating your portfolio, showcase a portfolio of your best work rather than a large volume. Eight to twelve high quality pieces is often sufficient.
4. Prepare for interviews
The last key component of your applications is interview preparation. Remember, this is an opportunity to discuss your portfolio, articulate your goals, and ask questions about the fashion design degree. Also, be prepared to explain the thought process behind each piece you included in your portfolio. Finally, ask thoughtful questions about the program, such as internship opportunities and study abroad programs.
Since your portfolio is crucial to getting into the best fashion design schools, let’s talk about it more in depth.
Creating an Application Portfolio
Creating a strong application portfolio is key for anyone applying to fashion design colleges. Your portfolio should showcase your skills and the progress you have made over time.
Start by including a variety of work. Your sketches demonstrate your initial concepts and rough ideas, reflecting your creative thought process and approach to design. Be sure to also include completed designs which demonstrate your ability to bring ideas to life. For each piece, provide context on your design choices, challenges, and solutions or innovations to display the intention behind your work. Furthermore, diversify your portfolio by including different styles and techniques.
Your portfolio should tell a story of your progression in fashion and design. Therefore, include pieces from different stages of your development, demonstrating how you have grown in skill and creativity. Admissions teams enjoy seeing how your techniques and confidence have evolved over time. Take this a step further by briefly commenting on how early works influenced later ones, or what you have learned from past projects.
Fashion Design College Essay Topics
When applying to top fashion design schools, it is important to be aware that some of the best colleges may require application essays. However, this shouldn’t make you nervous! Instead, look at college essays as another opportunity to shine.
For example, the Rhode Island School of Design requires a personal essay through the Common App. In this essay, you can highlight qualities that may not be apparent through your grades or extracurriculars. Another school that requires assays for admissions is Parsons School of Design. Parsons School of Design typically requires two specific essays, which give you the opportunity to discuss your artistic identity, aspirations, and why you want to attend that school.
Remember that these essays are opportunities to tell your story and talk about your motivations. To jumpstart your brainstorming process, let’s discuss some potential college essay topics.
3 Potential Fashion Essay Topics
#1. Personal journey. One of the college essay topics you may choose to write about is your personal journey into design. Here, you can reflect on what drew you to fashion design in the first place. This may include early experiences that inspired your creativity or any specific moments that influenced your decision to pursue a design career.
#2. Inspiration, motivation, purpose. Another essay topic to consider is design philosophy and inspirations. Use this essay as an opportunity to describe your unique approach to design, any notable designers that inspire you, or the ideas and values you aim to express through your work.
#3. Fashion and societal issues. Many fashion design colleges appreciate applicants who engage with real world issues. For example, you could use your essay as an opportunity to discuss sustainability, ethical production, or inclusivity in fashion and how you would like to address these issues in your designs.
These are just some ideas to get you started. No matter the topic, the most important part of any personal essay is authenticity. Therefore, when writing your essays, let your personality, design vision, and voice shine through. Admissions teams want to see what makes you unique, so avoid trying to write something that you think they want to read.
Your college essays can enhance your portfolio by providing more context to your application. Start early so that you have time to make your college essays shine.
Finding the Right Fashion Design School for You
Selecting the right fashion design schools is a big decision. The best fashion design schools for you will be the ones that best align with your goals, interests, and budget. Here are some key points to consider when creating your perfect college list.
5 Things to Consider in your Fashion School Search
Location
Cities like New York, Paris, and Milan are fashion hubs and will offer unparalleled exposure to the fashion industry. The best art schools in these locations often have strong ties to local designers and brands. However, consider the cost of living in these trendy cities. While a vibrant, fashion-oriented city might be exciting, it could also mean higher expenses.
Curriculum
Research the curriculum of each potential program to find the best fashion design schools for you. Different fashion design colleges may offer different areas of focus, like sustainable design or fashion business. Therefore, make sure the fashion design major supports your interests and aspirations. Finally, see if the fashion design colleges you are interested in offer hands-on learning opportunities. Schools with state-of-the-art labs and studios can offer a rich learning experience.
Faculty Mentors
An important aspect of your fashion design program will be the faculty. Ideally, your program’s faculty will have industry experience that can give you valuable insights and connections. Look for instructors who have worked with respected brands or have notable industry credentials.
Internships
These are essential in fashion. Fashion design colleges with established internship programs and industry partnerships are advantageous for your career aspirations. Further, a strong alumni network can open doors in the fashion world. Look into notable alumni and whether the school offers networking events, career fairs, and mentorship opportunities with graduates.
Cost
Finally, and maybe most importantly, you need to consider the cost of each program. Undoubtedly, fashion design schools vary widely in cost. For that reason, compare tuition fees, and investigate scholarships, grants, and financial aid options. You’re sure to find a school that works for your budget, but you just need to do a little searching!
Fashion design at your local community college
Remember there are options for every type of student when it comes to finding their ideal program. Do not overlook community colleges! Indeed, many community colleges offer high-quality design programs with practical courses in fashion, at a fraction of the cost of larger design schools. Therefore, this can be an excellent way to gain foundational skills, build a portfolio, and explore whether you want to pursue a design career, all while avoiding major debt.
By considering these factors and exploring all available options, you can make an informed decision about the best fashion design schools for you and pave your path to becoming a fashion designer!
Exploring Fashion Design Schools- Takeaways
In summary, this article discussed many fashion design schools and fashion design degrees. If you’ve been frantically googling, “What does a fashion designer do?” and “What are the best fashion design schools?”, then we hope we’ve cleared it up for you!
Fashion design degrees cover fields like fashion marketing, textile design, and fashion business. Because of the diversity within the degree, there are plenty of different opportunities for whatever it is you are looking for. But, if you’re still on the fence about studying fashion design, check out some student spotlights that highlight the rewarding nature of a fashion design degree.
Certainly, choosing the right fashion design schools involves considering a multitude of factors such as curriculum, faculty, and internships. Remember, the best fashion design schools are very competitive. In this sense, the application process reflects the career ahead. Therefore, when applying, you will be required to demonstrate creativity, skill, and a strong vision if you want to get into competitive fashion design colleges.
For students interested in attending fashion design schools, CollegeAdvisor is here to help! Whether you want to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology, London College of Fashion, or a community college program, CollegeAdvisor can help you navigate the entire application process.
This article was written by Ashley Hollins and Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
