Fashion Design Schools

You can find fashion design programs offered at a variety of community colleges, traditional colleges, career schools and even art schools. There are also schools that are strictly focused on the fashion field. No matter where you decide to receive your education, be sure that the school is accredited by the right organizations to ensure that it meets industry standards and is well-respected in the field. Look for approval from one of the main accreditation organizations, such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Beyond credentials and reputation, some of the other types of things to think about when selecting a school is where it is located (it makes sense to pick a school in the area where you hope to eventually live and work), what facilities it offers, how long the degree takes to earn and what the tuition will be. For an added edge, select a school with strong faculty members who are currently working in the field and will provide up-to-date industry information as well as can serve as key contacts to help you get your foot in the door. Finally, ask any schools you are considering what their job placement rates are and what areas there students currently work in, so you can make sure the experience you get in the classroom will translate well in the real world.

What It Costs

With so many options out there, you may wonder what the costs are to get a degree in fashion design. Here are a few of the top schools in the art and design field along with some tuition estimates.

Two of the top schools in New York City come highly recommended. Parsons The New School for Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) are well-respected institutions in the industry. Both schools offer associates and bachelor’s programs, as well as individual classes and certificate programs. Parsons is located in the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood, with lots of exciting, artistic and ethnically-diverse influences. Its exceptional staff and innovative approach to learning make it a leader in the field. FIT is situated near the Chelsea Garment District and has close connections to the field, so students can immerse themselves in the fashion world throughout the educational experience. In addition, FIT encourages students to do a semester or more abroad to learn from important fashion and cultural influences.