Ignite your passion for fashion in the vibrant and trend-setting environment of the US
The US is home to some of the best fashion schools in the world, with top-notch programs that offer students a comprehensive education in the art and science of fashion design. Studying fashion design in the US provides students with access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge technology, and a vibrant fashion industry that serves as a platform for creativity and innovation.
Whether you're interested in designing haute couture or streetwear, working for a major fashion brand, or launching your own label, studying fashion design in the US can provide you with the skills, knowledge, and creativity you need to succeed in this competitive industry. So, if you're ready to take the first step towards a career in fashion, read on to discover fashion design courses in the US.
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Table of contents
Top universities to study Fashion Design in the US
Course of study – Fashion Design for undergraduate students
Courses of study – Fashion Design for Graduate Students
UG and PG admission requirements for Fashion Designing in the US
Average cost of studying Fashion Design in the US
Career prospects after studying Fashion Design in the US
Average salary of a fashion designer in the US
Pay by experience level for Fashion Designers
The field of fashion design is constantly evolving, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and global trends. As such, studying fashion design in the US offers students a dynamic and exciting educational experience, where they can learn from industry experts, gain hands-on experience through internships and collaborations, and build a professional network that can help launch their careers after graduation.
Read more: Myths Busted: Facts about studying in the US!
Top universities to study Fashion Design in the US
Fashion design is a highly competitive field that requires a combination of creativity, technical skills, and business acumen. If you're interested in pursuing a degree in fashion design in the US, there are several top-ranked universities known for their excellent programs and industry connections. Here are some of the top universities to consider for studying fashion design in the US:
Parsons School of Design
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Pratt Institute
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Academy of Art University
Drexel University
Kent State University
School Name | Tuition Fees/year | World University Ranking (2023) | Programs Offered |
Fashion Institute of Technology | $6,900 - $17,500 | 101 | Undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design with specialisations in menswear, sportswear, and intimate apparel |
Parsons School of Design | $53,000 | 3 | Undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, fashion studies, and fashion business |
Pratt Institute | $54,000 | 6 | Undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, accessory design, and sustainable design |
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | $53,000 | 7 | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Apparel Design |
Savannah College of Art and Design | $38,000 | 16 | Undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, accessory design, and luxury and fashion management |
School of the Art Institute of Chicago | $53,000 - $56,000 | 11 | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design program emphasising design skills, technical proficiency, and critical thinking |
California Institute of the Arts | $53,000 - $55,000 | 51 | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design program focusing on conceptual development, experimentation, and innovation |
Course of study – Fashion Design for undergraduate students
There are various things that you will learn in a fashion design course. It will cover even the minutest aspects of the field, turning you into a skilled Fashion Designer in the USA. Here’s what you will study in the undergraduate course:
Basic Design Principles, Drawing, Color Theory, and Textiles: UG students learn the fundamentals of design in courses that cover drawing, colour theory, and textiles.
Design and Construction: UG students learn how to create clothing from scratch, using techniques such as draping, patternmaking, and sewing.
Fashion Illustration: UG students learn how to visually communicate their design concepts using a range of media, from pencil sketches to digital tools.
Textile Design: UG students explore the different types of fabrics, patterns, and textures that can be used in fashion, and learn how to manipulate fabrics and create their own prints and patterns.
History of Fashion: UG students learn about the evolution of fashion from ancient times to the present day, and how cultural, social, and economic factors have influenced fashion trends and styles throughout history.
Business of Fashion: UG students learn about the commercial side of fashion, including topics such as marketing, merchandising, and branding.
Specialisations: UG students have the opportunity to specialise in specific areas of fashion design, such as menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, or accessories, to develop their skills and knowledge in a particular area of interest.
Read more: Summer programs in the US
Courses of study – Fashion Design for Graduate Students
Post-graduation in Fashion design is an advanced course that covers in-depth topics to make you industry ready. Here’s what you will study in the Post-graduate course:
Advanced Design Theory: Focuses on the use of design elements, principles, and processes in creating high-level fashion designs.
Apparel Product Development: Covers product design, merchandising, and sourcing for developing and producing apparel products.
Fashion Trends and Forecasting: Teaches students how to analyse and respond to emerging fashion trends in the industry.
Advanced Garment Construction Techniques: Teaches advanced garment construction techniques, such as draping, patternmaking, and sewing, for creating innovative designs.
Fashion Illustration and Visualisation: Teaches students how to visually communicate design concepts using advanced media, like digital tools and three-dimensional modelling.
Sustainable Fashion: Explores the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry and how to incorporate sustainable practices into the design process.
Marketing and Branding: Covers marketing and branding strategies in the fashion industry, including digital marketing, consumer behaviour, and brand management.
Professional Development: Helps students develop communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, preparing them for careers in the fashion industry through internships, industry collaborations, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
UG and PG admission requirements for Fashion Designing in the US
From academic prerequisites and portfolio submissions to English language proficiency and recommendation letters, being well-informed about the specific criteria will empower you to navigate the application process with confidence and increase your chances of securing admission to prestigious fashion design programs in the US. Here are the UG and PG requirements for Fashion Designing in the US:
Admission Requirement | UG Admission Requirements for Fashion Designing | PG Admission Requirements for Fashion Designing |
Academic Transcripts | Required | Required |
Test Scores | Some institutions may require standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT | Some institutions may require standardised test scores, such as the GRE |
Portfolio | Required | Required |
Letters of Recommendation | Required | Required |
Statement of Purpose | Required | Required |
English Language Proficiency | International students whose first language is not English may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS scores | International students whose first language is not English may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS scores |
Read more: How to improve your US application
Average cost of studying Fashion Design in the US
The cost of studying fashion design in the US can vary widely depending on the institution, program, location, and other factors. On average, however, the cost of tuition and fees for an undergraduate degree in fashion design at a public institution is around $10,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students and $20,000 to $50,000 per year for out-of-state students.
At private institutions, the cost of tuition and fees for an undergraduate degree in fashion design is generally higher, ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Graduate-level programs in fashion design are typically more expensive than undergraduate programs, with tuition and fees ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year.
Textbooks: Students can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per year on required course materials
Supplies: Supplies needed for fashion design courses can also be costly, Students should plan to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per year on supplies
Housing: On-campus dormitories can cost between $6,000 and $20,000 per year, while off-campus housing options can range from $8,000 to $12,000 or more per year
Food: Students will need to pay for meals and groceries while attending school, which can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year
Read more: Scholarships vs. Assistantships
Career prospects after studying Fashion Design in the US
Fashion design is a thriving industry in the US, offering a plethora of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about fashion and design. From designing clothing and accessories to working in fashion marketing and merchandising, studying fashion design in the US can open up a world of possibilities for students. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and technical skills, fashion design programs in the US prepare graduates for careers in a variety of industries, both domestically and globally. Here’s what you can become after studying Fashion designing:
Fashion Designer: As a fashion designer, graduates can work for fashion brands, and apparel companies, or start their own fashion label. The median annual salary for fashion designers in the US is $73,790.
Textile Designer: Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics used in fashion and home decor. The median annual salary for textile designers in the US is $66,590.
Fashion Merchandiser: Fashion merchandisers work for retailers and fashion brands, helping to create and market collections. The median annual salary for fashion merchandisers in the US is $67,280.
Fashion Buyer: Fashion buyers purchase clothing and accessories for retailers and fashion brands. The median annual salary for fashion buyers in the US is $67,640.
Fashion Illustrator: Fashion illustrators create sketches and visual representations of clothing designs. The median annual salary for fashion illustrators in the US is $50,370.
Costume Designer: Costume designers work in theatre, film, and television, creating costumes for actors and performers. The median annual salary for costume designers in the US is $72,520.
Fashion Stylist: Fashion stylists work with clients to create outfits and looks for special events, photo shoots, and other occasions. The median annual salary for fashion stylists in the US is $53,580.
Average salary of a fashion designer in the US
Let's take a closer look at the average salary of a fashion designer and the factors that may affect it:
*According to PayScale data 2023
The salary of a fashion designer is influenced by various skills possessed by the individual. Among the top skills, project management has the most significant effect on salary, with an increase of 38%. People management follows closely with an increase of 30%. Technical specification, computer-aided drafting & design, and patternmaking also have a positive impact on salary, with an increase of 12%, 11%, and 8% respectively. Additionally, having expertise in product development, fabric/textiles, technical garment knowledge, and design can boost salary by 6%, 6%, 3%, and 1% respectively. Therefore, honing these skills can make a substantial difference in the earning potential of a fashion designer.
Pay by experience level for Fashion Designers
Fashion Designer salaries vary depending on the level of experience. An entry-level Fashion Designer with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $57,027, while an early-career Fashion Designer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $59,586. Those with 5-9 years of experience as a mid-career Fashion Designer earn an average total compensation of $71,261. Experienced Fashion Designers with 10-19 years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $88,341. In the late-career stage with 20 years or more of experience, Fashion Designers earn an average total compensation of $83,929.
*According to PayScale data 2023
Embarking on a career in the fashion industry is an exciting and rewarding journey. With a plethora of top-ranked fashion design schools in the US, students have the opportunity to gain a world-class education and launch their careers in one of the most vibrant and innovative industries in the world. Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, the possibilities are endless. Don't delay any further! Reach out to IDP Education today to transform your dream of pursuing fashion design studies in the US into a reality. Seek their guidance and support with the application process to take the first step towards a promising career in fashion design.
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Updated on May 04, 2023
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