Best Fashion Schools In The US In 2024

Table of Contents

Just like any other programs, fashion programs are as competitive to get admissions. Apart from being creative, artistic and having an eye for fashion and details, that’s not enough!

The fashion industry is one of the biggest businesses in the world. There’s always new talent out there who comes with a new approach and style. Today, the youth are more conscious about the surroundings and the planet, thus most students want to contribute to the fashion world through sustainable ways and methods.

And, these top and best fashion schools in the US are sought by students from all over the world. Therefore, they are competitive as every fashion student wants to be taught by the creme dela creme fashion schools.

Check out some of the best school of fashion in the US:

Parsons The New School, New York

Ranking: #4 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023

For many students, this is a dream fashion school as they produce some of the best fashion creators in the world. Its history can be traced back to 1896 and is known to be one of the oldest private art and design schools in the Big Apple.

They offer a wide range of programs in arts and design with study fees starting from $46,960 onward depending on the course you chose to study. It’s highly competitive with just a 35% acceptance rate for admissions. The famous alumni of this school are Marc Jacobs, Nicky Hilton, Tom Ford and many other top-class designers in the world.

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)s, New York

Ranking: #101-150 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject

With its low cost in study fees($10,000-15,000), most who seek to learn fashion compete to get into the top fashion schools in the us. The reason for the low tuition fee is because of its association with the State University of New York System. It started in 1944, and as fashion grew, the university was driven by a purpose to prepare men and women to work for the industry.

The school is very selective in its admission process with only a selection of 50% out of 100 in numbers. Though there are many other arts and design programs offered by the school, it has produced some of the best fashion designers in the world such as Fran Boller, Calvin Klein, Nina Garcia, etc.

Pratt Institute, New York

Ranking: #10 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023

The fashion design colleges are focused on inclusivity among students from all over the world. Yes, the selection process is a bit stern with 44.9% of the acceptance rate, but it is based on a fair and square selection process. In terms of creativity, the school is unique in its approach and methodology of study. They involve students in collaborative study and research as a gateway to the fashion world.

The school laid its foundation in 1887 to provide education to the masses. The fee ($35,000-50,000) is a little expensive, but it’s worth getting a degree from this prestigious place. And, yes, Pratt also produces some of the best creators like Paul Rand and Jeremy Scott.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah, GA

Ranking: # 16QS WUR Ranking By Subject

SCAd holds a reputation for being one of the colleges for fashion design as it offers

more programs in arts and design in the US. It was founded in 1978 with a purpose to provide a course that was not available in any other institution in the southeast of the United States.

Due to this , and its innovative methods of equipment , facilities and teaching, its study course is a bit expensive at an average cost of between $25,000-35,000. What’s unique about the school is its flexibility to do an online course, involving students in engaging activities, community work and their initiative involvement in sustainability projects.

Kent State University, Kent, OH

Ranking: #1001-1200 in QS World University Rankings 2024

It laid its foundation in 1910 as a university, but the School of Fashion, Kent University started in 1983. Known to be the most reputable fashion schools as they have consistently been ranked for their fashion programs. Their teaching is another factor that makes the university so great! The approach is enriched by research into the history of fashion, its materials, technology and ways to make a better impact on the planet.

Studying at the university allows students to study away in some of the best schools in France, Paris, London, Germany, etc. The fashion school is also a member of the NASAD, CFDA and IFFTI. The study cost ( $6,000-11,000) is reasonable as compared to most fashion schools in the US. There is also financial aid provided to students.

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY (SAN FRANCISCO, CA)

Ranking: Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #105-115

A space for the creators who want to qualify from one of the top fashion schools in the us. The school has the most diverse range of artistic communities from around the world. The campus thrives with colors, creativity and a positive environment. In 1929, the school started and produced some of the most innovative creators in the industry.
It is a private institution where the students are schooled by some of the best and most creative minds in the fashion world. The fees are reasonable for a private school and because of its location at the most diverse and fashionable place in the US, it coexists and comes with a price ($50,860) which can be lowered if you have a grant or scholarship. The acceptance rate of the school is 100%.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (PROVIDENCE, RI)

Ranking: #7 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023

For an institution in Rhode Island, having 31,000 alumni is a big make it one of the noteworthy fashion design colleges. Started in 1877 with the initiative to promote the growing textile and jewelry industry at the time. It was also intended to educate women on designing courses.

The school provides classroom and hands-on experience through internships and other research opportunities. This way, the students grow, learn and thrive within their artistic community. The school is selective and highly competitive with an acceptance rate of only 19% for the admission process.

Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)

Ranking: #601-610 in QS World University

You study fashion at Drexel University, you get to showcase your designs at the Drexel Fashion Show. The university was founded in 1891 with the intention of providing higher education to all students. The school educates and trains visionary students to become future creative thinkers. It is done through the method of art, science and technology by the best in the industry.

You study the challenges and implement them to make fashion more responsible and sustainable. You get the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with studios and study away opportunities in fashion-centric cities of the world. The fee structure seems a bit expensive ($79,145) but the university offers financial aid which can lower your study fee to ($23,167).

Academy of Art University

Ranking: Best colleges is Regional Universities West, #105-115 (2024)

This fashion college started operating in 1929 under the name Academy of art college. Today, they claim to be one of the largest and top privately owned arts & design schools in the country. This college has a reputation not only in its hometown San, Francisco, California, but it has earned a ranking too.

It’s an easy college to get into with an acceptance rate of 100%, so it’s quite an easy admission to enroll in this institute. They offer over 22 subjects in UG and PG with three popular courses being offered painting, illustration, commercial and advertising art. There are full and part-time teachers with a big enrollment of international students. They own and operate the AAUAM with a collection of two hundred vintage cars. If you want to be part of the institute, they participated in NY Fashion Week, and you might be one of them!

Otis College of Arts and Design

Ranking: #151-200 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023

It’s not only known as one of the best fashion schools in the US, but its core program is liberal arts and supports community-driven projects. Most students choose to study here as they get to explore, imagine, connect and bring out art in many forms. With inclusive community support at a large campus of about 5 acres, there’s never a dull moment in the artistic community.

The Arts and design college was founded in 1918, to prepare students in the world of arts and design to paint their vision through creativity, imagination and talent. Studying at this institution will not only give you a top class creative learning experience, but an opportunity to be part of a bigger change through the work of art.

View all stories