15 Best Fashion Schools in the US: Courses, Ranking, and More

Ever dream of seeing your designs strut down runways or grace the pages of Vogue? The US is a breeding ground for creative minds in the fashion world.  From the bustling ateliers of New York to the West Coast's trendsetting vibe, there's a school waiting to ignite your inner Coco Chanel.  "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what happens." Here are the 15 best fashion schools in the US that offer comprehensive courses in fashion design, merchandising, marketing, and more. 

15 Best Fashion Colleges in the US

If you consider the US as your country of choice to study fashion, we have a great selection of programs for you. Here are some of the 15 best fashion schools in the US, along with their location, QS ranking, and famous alumnus that should be on your target list:

1. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Location: New York
‍Average Tuition Fees: $10,000 - $15,000
Famous Alumni: Calvin Klein, Michael Kors
QS Rank: 101
Acceptance Rate: 52.8%
Number of students: 10,386
Unique Highlight: FIT hosts the "Museum at FIT," one of the only museums in New York City dedicated solely to the art of fashion.

Every fashion design student who aspires to study in the United States has their eyes set on the prestigious and well-known Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Known as one of the best fashion schools in the US, FIT provides students with all of the knowledge and skills they need to become the next big fashion mogul in the industry. Lastly, even with tight and selective eligibility criteria, a bone for creativity and a running flair for fashion will make you a right fit for ‘FIT’.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Business Management

b. Jewellery Design

c. Accessory Design

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Art Market Studies (MA)

b. Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management (MPS)

c. Fashion Design (MFA)

d. Illustration (MFA)

2. Parsons The New School 

Location: New York
‍Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs
QS Rank: 641-650 
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Number of students: 6217
Unique Highlight: Parsons is renowned for its "Parsons Festival," a seasonal showcase where students present their innovative works to the public and industry professionals.

With cutthroat competition from the FIT, Parsons School of Design has climbed its way to become one of the top recommended and best fashion schools in the US. With a strong academic and practical presence, students are encouraged to cultivate their artistic side of design, like concept creation and design thinking, which will help them carve and flourish their paths to careers such as head designer or creative executive of a brand. Additionally, for anyone looking for a good marketing degree, this is by far the best school for fashion marketing.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Marketing

b. Fashion Design 

c. Fashion Studies

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Design Studies

3. Pratt Institute 

Location: New York
‍Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Jeremy Scott, Paul Rand
QS Rank: #10 
Acceptance Rate: 50.4%
Number of Students: 2269
Unique Highlight: Pratt's fashion program is celebrated for its emphasis on sustainability and ethical design, preparing students to become leaders in eco-conscious fashion.

Do you notice a trend here? It does not come as a shock that most of the best fashion schools in the US are housed in the global fashion capital city of New York. In addition, Pratt Institute has also become an upcoming choice for students who are planning to pursue their fashion degrees. In fact, this institute is also present in one of the best neighbourhoods in New York, making it a perfect choice for you to study.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Design

b. Interior Design, Minor

c. Textiles, Minor

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Communications Design, MFA

b. Industrial Design, MID

c. Interior Design, MFA

4. Savannah College of Art and Design 

Location: Savannah, Georgia 
‍Average Tuition Fees: $25,000 - $35,000
Famous Alumni: M. Alice LeGrow, Tracy Yardley
QS Rank: #16
Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
Number of Students: 10,740
Unique Highlight: SCAD fashion students benefit from the annual SCAD Fashion Show, a high-profile event attended by industry giants.

Are you searching for the best fashion schools in America? We bet Savannah College of Art and Design will be one name on every fashion aspirant's tip of the tongue. For decades, SCAD has been standing tall in the list of the best fashion schools in the US for its strong commitment to helping its students think out of the box to become world-class designers. While studying with like-minded fashion people, you will learn to potentialise your knowledge into creating world-renowned jewellery lines, runway collections, and innovative things that will charge into a fashion revolution.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion

b. Accessory Design 

c. Jewellery 

d. Business of Beauty and Fragrance

e. Fashion Marketing and Management

f. Fibres

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion

b. Accessory Design 

c. Jewellery 

5. Otis College of Arts and Design 

Location: Los Angeles
‍Average Tuition Fees: $30,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Masami Teraoka, Robert Irwin
QS Rank: #151-200
Acceptance Rate: 83.3%
Number of Students: 1,380
Unique Highlight: Otis College partners with major brands and studios for design labs, including Nike and Disney

Unlike other best fashion schools in the US, Otis College of Arts and Design takes a different approach when it comes to teaching fashion to its students. The school believes in a collaborative environment where students can collaborate with their seniors and is committed to bringing change by including sustainable fashion as one of its electives. Apart from these reasons, this best fashion design school is also lauded for its bright curriculum that includes mastering your skills in degrees like fashion design. 

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. BFA in Fashion Design

b. BFA in Environmental Design

c. BFA in Fine Arts

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. MFA Fine Arts

b. MFA Graphic Design

6. Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

Location: Los Angeles 
‍Average Tuition Fees: $30,000 - $40,000
Famous Alumni: Amanda Bynes, Lauren Conrad
QS Rank: #51-100
Acceptance Rate: 41.7%
Number of Students: 8,000
Unique Highlight: FIDM's annual Debut Runway Show showcases student designs to industry professionals, often leading to immediate job offers and internships.

Another feather in the cap of the best fashion design schools in the us , the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, also known as FIDM, has plagued the entire West Coast with its excellent standards and resources for studying fashion. The institute is set to have high employability and satisfaction rates from its alumni, making it one of the best fashion schools in the US. 

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Apparel Industry Management

b. Fashion Design

c. Fashion Knitwear Design

d. Merchandise Marketing

e. Advanced Fashion Design

f. International Manufacturing & Product Development

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Design

b. Costume Design

7. Columbus College of Art and Design

Location: Columbus, Ohio 
‍Average Tuition Fees: $20,000 - $30,000
Famous Alumni: Daisy Aldan, Frank Eliscu
QS Rank: #299 
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Number of Students: 1,413
Unique Highlight: CCAD hosts a unique fashion gala, featuring student designs judged by industry professionals.

‍Columbus College of Art and Design is a ‘pure’ design school that can be a good place to plunge yourself into the world of fashion design. Compared to other best fashion schools in the US, this is among the few good colleges for fashion design which is a relatively budget-friendly college for students who wish to pursue a career in fashion. To deepen students' fashion senses further, the college has erected labs, studios, and fashion designing courses that assist them in flowing their creative juices, designing, and creating. 

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Design 

b. Design Research

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. MPS in Retail Design 

8. Rhode Island School Of Design 

Location: Rhode Island 
‍Average Tuition Fees: $50,000 - $60,000
Famous Alumni: James Franco, Seth MacFarlane
QS Rank: #3
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Number of Students: 2,140
Unique Highlight: Offers a rare Jewelry + Metalsmithing program, focusing on wearable art beyond traditional fashion boundaries.

Do you want to launch your career and climb the fashion industry ladder faster? Consider applying to the top fashion school in the US, Rhode Island School of Design. One of the best fashion schools in the US, Rhode uses advanced modern-day techniques that are useful in the industry, like superior design sketching, which is important for exploring and communicating ideas. Along with their abundance of knowledge, this best fashion school in the US is also very generous with giving their students top-notch opportunities to excel.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. BFA in Jewellery 

b. BFA in Textiles

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. MFA in Jewellery

b. MFA in Textiles

9. Drexel University

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
‍Average Tuition Fees: $35,000 - $45,000
Famous Alumni: Chuck Barris, Michael Behe 
QS Rank: 601-650
Acceptance Rate: 79.6%
Number of Students: 2,920
Unique Highlight: The MS in Retail and Merchandising integrates data analytics and consumer psychology.

Drexel University is making its way to becoming one of the best fashion schools in the US. But why does Drexel have an unbeatable reputation amongst the top fashion design schools? Drexel University fashion design alums have shined worldwide in different parts of the continent by grabbing big employment opportunities. The college encourages students to participate in exchange programs with well-reputed universities like the London College of Fashion. And so many more reasons why Drexel University makes it to the best colleges for fashion design list.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. B.S. Fashion Design

b. B.S. Design and Merchandising 

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. M.S. Fashion Design 

b. M.S. Retail and Merchandising

10. Academy of Art University

Location: San Francisco
‍Average Tuition Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Famous Alumni: Scott Borrero
QS Rank: #151-200
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Number of Students: 19,700
Unique Highlight: TechLab where students explore textiles' integration with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing.

Academy of Art University is a very low-key yet well-coveted university for fashion design students. Established in 1929, it is also one of the oldest and best fashion schools in the US. It has seen a significant rise in popularity because of its excellence and exceptional track record of showing up at the New York Fashion Week. Being a top contender for fashion design colleges, it has been home to many designers for a decade; now it's your chance to mark your print on the wall of the notable alumni. 

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. AA in Fashion

b. BFA in Fashion with an Emphasis on Fashion Design, Textile Design, or Knitwear Design

c. BA in Fashion Product Development

d. BA in Costume Design

e. BA in Fashion Journalism

f. Fashion Marketing 

g. Fashion Merchandising

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Costume Design 

b. Fashion Art Direction 

c. Fashion Journalism 

d. Fashion Marketing and Brand Management 

11. Thomas Jefferson University

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
‍Average Tuition Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
Famous Alumni: John Heysham Gibbon
QS Rank: #351-400
Acceptance Rate: 63.9%
Number of Students: 2,100
Unique Highlight: The Textile Materials Technology program stands out for advancements in smart textiles.

If good exposure, a diverse curriculum, and high employability are your priorities, then Thomas Jefferson University might be the right place for you! Both these programs are rigorous and comprehensive, which helps in in-depth learning and knowledge about the particular field. It is considered one of the best fashion colleges in the US, as the courses are very good at exposing students to the work side of fashion.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Design

b. Textile Design

c. Textile Materials Technology

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Global Fashion Enterprise

b. Textile Design

c. Textile Engineering

d. Textile Engineering and Sciences

12. Kent State University

Location: Ohio
‍Average Tuition Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Famous Alumni: Jeff Richmond, Steve Harvey
QS Rank: 1001-1200
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Number of Students: 18,200
Unique Highlight: Kent's Fashion School Store offers students a retail management experience by running a live boutique, handling everything from merchandising to sales.

Kent State University is another one of the best schools for fashion design. Considered one of the best fashion schools in the US, it allows its students to exchange programs with other top-tier colleges like Paris Academy in Paris and the University of Palazzo in Florence. Moreover, the cherry on the cake is that this university has an employability rate of a record more than 90%, which is huge when compared to other best fashion colleges in America.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. B.A. Fashion Design, Track I – Conceptual

b. B.A. Fashion Design, Track II – Technical

c. B.S. Fashion Merchandising

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. MA in Fine Arts (Fashion)

b. MFA in Design/Technology – Costume Design

c. MBA with a Concentration in Fashion Design and Merchandising

13. Iowa State University 

Location: Ames, Iowa 
‍Average Tuition Fees: $15,000 - $25,000
Famous Alumni: Clayton Anderson
QS Rank: #501
Acceptance Rate: 90.2%
Number of Students: 24,280
Unique Highlight: SU's Fashion Show is one of the largest student-run fashion shows in the nation, featuring over 150 student-designed garments each year.

You shouldn't be surprised, but Iowa State University also holds a place in our list of the best fashion schools in the US! Usually, some of the best fashion schools in the US have a very limited scope of options. When you're studying in another country, like the US, it's crucial to know about USA student visa requirements. This knowledge boosts your chances of successfully navigating the visa process without any legal hiccups.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Apparel 

b. Merchandising 

c. Design 

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Apparel 

b. Merchandising 

c. Design 

14. Maryland Institute College of Art 

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
‍Average Tuition Fees: $50,000 - $60,000
Famous Alumni: Jeff Koons
QS Rank: #33 
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Number of Students: 3,850
Unique Highlight: Combining art and fashion, offering a unique focus on Avant-garde and experimental fashion practices.

Maryland Institute College of Art, or MICA, has been in the press for all good reasons! Being one of the best fashion schools in the US, MICA usually offers only undergraduate courses for fashion, which are very niched to a BFA in Fiber with a concentration in experimental fashion. If you have a deep interest in fashion and have the knowledge required for fibre, then this best fashion schools in the US would be the best for upskilling. 

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. BFA in Fiber with a concentration in Experimental Fashion

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Illustration

b. Design Leadership

15. Marist College 

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York 
‍Average Tuition Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
Famous Alumni: Bill O'Reilly
QS Rank: #10 
Acceptance Rate: 62.8%
Number of Students: 24,950
Unique Highlight: Unique Fashion Software Proficiency badge, certifying students in industry-standard software, enhancing their technical skills and employability.

Marist College is one last noteworthy mention in the list of the best fashion schools in the US. With two options for fashion design and merchandising, this college is an all-rounder for building strong portfolios in the fashion industry. It is considered one of the best fashion design schools in America. There are many activities for fashion design majors to have a chance to boast their creations through a fashion show. They are judged by well-known fashion industry figures. With its years of teaching excellence, location, opportunities, and employability, Marist College is one of the best fashion schools in the US.

Undergraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Fashion Design

b. Textile Design

c. Textile Materials Technology

Graduate and Postgraduate Fashion Programmes

a. Global Fashion Enterprise

b. Textile Design

c. Textile Engineering

d. Textile Engineering 

How to Choose the Right Fashion Schools

Ranking lists are useful for getting a general sense of the best fashion schools in the US that may align with your interests. However, many lack standardized criteria and transparency in their ranking processes. Here are some of the :

1. General School Reputation: Breaking into the fashion industry is highly competitive. Thus, undergraduate students must attend the best fashion schools in the US that are well-regarded by industry professionals. 

2. Strength of Related Graduate Programs: The best fashion schools in the US with respected graduate programs in fashion or related design fields were favored. Even though the focus is on undergraduate programs, the presence of strong graduate departments provides valuable resources and expertise that benefit undergraduate students.

3. Alumni: A high number of notable alumni indicates a strong program and a well-connected alumni network. Successful graduates enhance the school's reputation and can facilitate job opportunities for new graduates.

4. Location: Proximity to major fashion capitals like NYC, Paris, Milan, London, and Hong Kong is advantageous. These locations offer the best internship and job opportunities, as well as access to galleries and design studios. The best fashion schools in the US in these cities, or with programs in these locations, are highly regarded.

In conclusion, studying fashion design at one of the best fashion schools in the US will reap many benefits in terms of personal growth, knowledge and employability. As you prepare for admission to one of the best fashion schools in the US, exploring resources like amber's insightful blogs on entrance exams such as SAT and GRE can be invaluable for your journey ahead.