Regarding fashion designing courses, the United States of America is one of the most favoured study-abroad destinations in the world. The fashion designing institutes in the country provide students with quality education and rigorous field practice. Studying in the USA will help you gain a reputable fashion design degree and open up a host of opportunities in the fashion and designing field.
You can easily find plenty of work opportunities after you successfully complete your degree in fashion design in USA. In fact, America is home to the majority of international fashion brands. Additionally, fashion design is one of the highest-paying industries in the country with an average salary of $85,620 per annum.
In this article, we will help you learn about the best universities in USA for fashion designing, course curriculum, fees, eligibility and a lot more.
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Why Study Fashion Design in the USA?
Between the years 2020 to 2030, there will be an 8% increase in demand for fashion designers. Thus, fashion designing courses are much in demand among international students. Before we proceed to the list of best fashion designing colleges in USA, let us know the advantages of studying in US:
- Top Ranked Fashion Colleges - US has some of the best fashion designing colleges/universities in the world. These well-recognised universities are at the forefront of fashion technology and creative learning. Nearly 5 colleges have ranked amongst the top 10 fashion design schools in the world according to QS Rankings 2023.
- Variety of Degree Programs - The universities in US offer a variety of degree programs in the field of fashion design. For example, Fashion Merchandising, Textile Design, Fashion Journalism, Fashion Marketing & Management are some of the specialisations you will find.
- Growing Fashion Industry - The fashion industry in America is fast-paced and growing at an exponential rate. Fashion designers, fashion magazines and textile firms have their offices in New York, the fashion capital of the world. It is presumed that the US fashion industry will cross the $200 million mark by the year 2024.
Top Fashion Design Colleges & Universities in the USA
Whether you want to study diploma courses in fashion designing in USA or a master's in fashion design in USA, there are plenty of colleges and universities to choose from. Here are some of the top-ranked fashion schools in the US for international students:
- Parsons School of Design
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- California Institute of the Arts
1. Parsons School of Design The New School
Located in New York City, Parsons is one of the best fashion design colleges in USA. The average GPA required to get admission is 3.42 which makes it a moderately competitive school for fashion design.
Type | Private |
QS World University Rankings 2023 | 3 |
Programs Offered | Fashion Design, Product Design, Fashion Studies, and Fashion Marketing |
Tuition Fees | $38,510 per year |
2. Rhode Island School of Design
Situated in Rhode Island, this is one of the oldest fashion design colleges in USA. The acceptance rate of the Rhode Island School of Design is nearly 27% and the graduation rate is 89% approximately.
Type | Private |
QS World University Rankings 2023 | 4 |
Programs Offered | Apparel Design, Jewellery and Metalsmithing, Textiles |
Tuition Fees | $39,000 per year |
3. Pratt Institute
The main campus of Pratt Institute is in Brooklyn, New York and has two other campuses in Manhattan and Utica. With a 66% acceptance rate, the Pratt Institute is one of the best fashion design schools in US.
Type | Private |
QS World University Rankings 2023 | 7 |
Programs Offered | Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Accessories Design |
Tuition Fees | $37,500 per year |
4. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Among the best fashion schools in the US, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) deserves special mention. It is one of the finest educational institutes in the country with a 78% acceptance rate.
Type | Public |
QS World University Rankings 2023 | 9 |
Programs Offered | Fashion Design |
Tuition Fees | $35,940 per year |
5. California Institute of the Arts
The acceptance rate of this college is about 27% making it a fairly difficult college to get admission into. The main campus is in Santa Clarita, California.
Type | Private |
QS World University Rankings 2023 | 22 |
Programs Offered | Fashion Design, Textiles and Jewelry Design |
Tuition Fees | $36,960 |
Suggested: Find best interior design colleges in USA
Course Curriculum For Fashion Design in the USA
The top-ranking US universities offering fashion design courses specialise in both theoretical and practical learning. The curriculum for fashion design courses in USA majorly covers the following:
- Fashion History
- Fashion Drawing
- Colour Theory
- Design Communication
- Textiles & Materials
- Industry Communication
- Portfolio Building & Internship
Eligibility & Admission Requirements For Fashion Design in the USA
As a study abroad student, you will be required to meet all the eligibility criteria to study in the top fashion design universities in USA. To make it more convenient, we have shortlisted some of the basic requirements for fashion design courses in USA for international students:
- Official transcripts/academics Certificates
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
- CV/Resume
- Portfolio
- Statement of Purpose
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- Work samples if any
Admission Process at Fashion Design Colleges in USA
In order to study fashion design in USA, you must be well-versed with the application process. The application process is more or less similar for all the US universities offering fashion design courses. Follow this step-by-step guide to understand the application process better:
- Determine the colleges/universities offering fashion designing courses in the US. View their course curriculum, tuition fees, and application requirements.
- Visit the official websites of your chosen fashion colleges in the US. Note down the eligibility requirements, application deadlines and necessary entrance exams.
- Submit all the required documents along with your application before the deadline.
- Attend any screening interview if organised by the college/university.
- Once your application is accepted by the college, start making arranging for funds (education loans or scholarships)
- Apply for the US student visa
Cost of Studying Fashion Design in the USA
If you want to study fashion design courses in USA, then you must learn about the various costs you will incur while you stay in the country for your course duration.
Tuition Fees
The annual average tuition fee for fashion design courses in USA for international students is approximately $27,760 for public universities and $37,200 for private universities.
Living Cost
Other than the tuition fees, you may need to spend roughly $7,000 - $20,000 per year on food and accommodation in US.
Additional Expenses
Here are some of the additional expenses that you need to look after while studying fashion designing courses in USA universities:
Books | $1,000 - $2,500 |
Sewing Machine | $200 - $2,000 |
$800 - $2,000 |
Suggested: Estimated cost of living in US for Indian students
Career Opportunities After Fashion Design in the USA
The scope of fashion designing in USA is vast. After you earn a fashion degree from any of the reputed universities in America, you will have a chance to pick a career accordingly.
Job Profile | Average Salary Per Annum |
Fashion Designer | $75,810 |
Fashion Stylist | $53,957 |
Textile Designer | $57,591 |
Retail Manager | $53,138 |
If you are passionate about studying fashion design, then USA is the right study-abroad destination for you. Since it is a creative field, the career opportunities in fashion design are numerous and ever-growing. Along with studying fashion design in USA, you will meet like-minded people in the universities that will help your creative ideas grow exponentially.
Confused about how to take admission in these fashion schools? Get connected with Yocket professionals to get end-to-end admission guidance and visa support.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the fashion industry and education, I can attest to the significance of pursuing fashion designing courses in the United States. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, industry insights, and a profound appreciation for the dynamic landscape of fashion design. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article, shedding light on various aspects of studying fashion design in the USA.
Why Study Fashion Design in the USA?
1. Demand for Fashion Designers:
- The article mentions an 8% increase in demand for fashion designers from 2020 to 2030. This statistic is a key indicator of the industry's growth and the relevance of fashion designing courses.
2. Top-Ranked Fashion Colleges:
- The USA boasts some of the best fashion designing colleges globally, with five institutions ranking among the top 10 according to QS Rankings 2023. This underscores the country's commitment to providing quality education in fashion design.
3. Variety of Degree Programs:
- American universities offer a diverse range of degree programs in fashion design, including Fashion Merchandising, Textile Design, Fashion Journalism, and Fashion Marketing & Management. This variety caters to the diverse interests and career aspirations of students.
4. Growing Fashion Industry:
- The fast-paced growth of the fashion industry in America, particularly in New York, the fashion capital of the world, is a testament to the country's influential role in shaping global fashion trends.
Top Fashion Design Colleges & Universities in the USA
The article highlights several renowned institutions:
-
Parsons School of Design (The New School):
- Location: New York City
- Programs: Fashion Design, Product Design, Fashion Studies, Fashion Marketing
- Average GPA: 3.42
- Tuition Fees: $38,510 per year
-
Rhode Island School of Design:
- Location: Rhode Island
- Programs: Apparel Design, Jewellery and Metalsmithing, Textiles
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year
-
Pratt Institute:
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Programs: Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Accessories Design
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Tuition Fees: $37,500 per year
-
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC):
- Location: Chicago
- Programs: Fashion Design
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Tuition Fees: $35,940 per year
-
California Institute of the Arts:
- Location: Santa Clarita, California
- Programs: Fashion Design, Textiles and Jewelry Design
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Tuition Fees: $36,960
Course Curriculum For Fashion Design in the USA
The curriculum for fashion design courses in the USA encompasses theoretical and practical components, covering key areas such as:
- Fashion History
- Fashion Drawing
- Colour Theory
- Design Communication
- Textiles & Materials
- Industry Communication
- Portfolio Building & Internship
Eligibility & Admission Requirements
Aspiring international students need to fulfill specific requirements, including:
- Official transcripts/academic certificates
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
- CV/Resume
- Portfolio
- Statement of Purpose
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- Work samples (if applicable)
Admission Process at Fashion Design Colleges in USA
The application process involves:
- Identifying suitable colleges/universities.
- Reviewing course details, tuition fees, and application requirements.
- Visiting official websites for eligibility criteria, deadlines, and entrance exams.
- Submitting required documents before deadlines.
- Participating in screening interviews if organized.
- Preparing for education loans or scholarships.
- Applying for a US student visa.
Cost of Studying Fashion Design in the USA
Understanding the costs associated with studying fashion design in the USA is crucial:
- Tuition Fees: Approximately $27,760 (public universities) to $37,200 (private universities) per year for international students.
- Living Costs: Estimated at $7,000 - $20,000 per year for food and accommodation.
- Additional Expenses: Including books, sewing machine, and health insurance.
Career Opportunities After Fashion Design in the USA
The article emphasizes the vast scope of fashion designing in the USA, with career opportunities in roles such as Fashion Designer, Fashion Stylist, Textile Designer, and Retail Manager. The average salaries per annum are provided as a reference for prospective students.
In conclusion, studying fashion design in the USA offers a rich educational experience, exposure to a thriving industry, and numerous career prospects. Aspiring individuals can benefit from the top-notch education provided by esteemed institutions and the dynamic environment that fosters creativity and innovation. For those passionate about fashion design, the USA stands as a premier study-abroad destination.
