20 Best Colleges for Fashion Design in the US 2024

Fashion design is all about creativity, style, and turning imaginative ideas into beautiful clothing and accessories. If you dream of becoming a fashion designer, picking the right college is super important. Here’s a list of the 20 best colleges for fashion design in the US for 2024.

20 Best Colleges for Fashion Design in the US

Choosing the right college for fashion design can help you build the skills and connections you need to succeed in the fashion industry. Each of these schools offers unique opportunities and resources to help you grow as a designer. By considering factors like GPA, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, requirements, and professional outcomes, you can find the perfect college to help you achieve your fashion dreams.

1. Parsons School of Design

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Requirements: Good grades, a creative portfolio, and a strong interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work for top fashion houses, start their own brands, or become fashion editors and stylists.
Academic Highlights: Parsons offers a hands-on learning experience with courses in fashion design, textiles, and fashion history. Students can intern with famous designers and participate in New York Fashion Week.

2. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Requirements: Solid grades, a strong portfolio, and a passion for fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in fashion design, marketing, and merchandising for well-known brands.
Academic Highlights: FIT provides a comprehensive education in fashion design, business, and technology. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and studios and can showcase their work in fashion shows.

3. Pratt Institute

GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Requirements: Good academic record, creative portfolio, and interest in design.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often become fashion designers, textile designers, or work in fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: Pratt offers a strong program in fashion design, focusing on creative and technical skills. Students have opportunities for internships and collaborations with industry professionals.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1220
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Requirements: Good grades, a strong portfolio, and creativity.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, styling, and brand development for major fashion companies.
Academic Highlights: SCAD offers diverse courses in fashion design, fashion marketing, and fashion journalism. Students can participate in fashion shows and internships to gain real-world experience.

You may also like to read

• 16 Best Colleges for Classics Major 2024
• 30 Best College for Creative Writing 2024
• 35 Best Colleges for Astronomy and Astrophysics 2024
• 30 Best Artificial Intelligence Colleges in the US 2024

5. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Requirements: Excellent grades, a strong portfolio, and a passion for art and design.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often become top fashion designers, product developers, and creative directors.
Academic Highlights: RISD provides a rigorous program in fashion design with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Students have access to advanced facilities and can showcase their work in exhibitions.

6. California College of the Arts (CCA)

GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1180
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Requirements: Solid academic record, creative portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, textile design, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: CCA offers a comprehensive program in fashion design with courses in pattern making, textiles, and fashion illustration. Students can engage in internships and industry projects.

7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1230
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Requirements: Good grades, a creative portfolio, and a love for design.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often become fashion designers, stylists, or work in fashion media.
Academic Highlights: SAIC offers a strong fashion design program with a focus on creativity and innovation. Students can participate in fashion shows and collaborate with industry professionals.

8. Drexel University

GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1270
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Requirements: Good academic record, strong portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, merchandising, and fashion technology.
Academic Highlights: Drexel offers a comprehensive fashion design program with courses in design, textiles, and fashion business. Students can gain practical experience through co-op programs and internships.

9. Otis College of Art and Design

GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1200
Median ACT: 25
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Requirements: Good grades, creative portfolio, and a passion for fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often become fashion designers, pattern makers, or work in fashion merchandising.
Academic Highlights: Otis provides a hands-on learning experience with courses in fashion design, textiles, and fashion illustration. Students can participate in fashion shows and industry collaborations.

10. Kent State University

GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 23
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Requirements: Solid academic record, strong portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, retail, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: Kent State offers a robust fashion design program with courses in design, textiles, and fashion business. Students have opportunities for internships and study abroad programs.

11. Columbia College Chicago

GPA: 3.2
Median SAT: 1100
Median ACT: 22
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Requirements: Good grades, creative portfolio, and a love for fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in fashion design, styling, and fashion media.
Academic Highlights: Columbia College provides a strong fashion design program with a focus on creativity and practical skills. Students can participate in fashion shows and gain real-world experience through internships.

12. Academy of Art University

GPA: 3.0
Median SAT: 1050
Median ACT: 21
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Requirements: Decent academic record, creative portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, merchandising, and fashion technology.
Academic Highlights: Academy of Art offers a comprehensive fashion design program with courses in design, textiles, and fashion illustration. Students can showcase their work in fashion shows and collaborate with industry professionals.

13. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)

GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1150
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Requirements: Good grades, strong portfolio, and a passion for art and fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often become fashion designers, textile designers, or work in fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: MassArt offers a robust fashion design program with a focus on creativity and technical skills. Students can participate in fashion shows and gain real-world experience through internships.

14. University of Cincinnati

GPA: 3.4
Median SAT: 1130
Median ACT: 24
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Requirements: Good academic record, strong portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, merchandising, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: UC offers a comprehensive fashion design program with courses in design, textiles, and fashion business. Students can gain practical experience through co-op programs and internships.

15. Marist College

GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1210
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Requirements: Good grades, creative portfolio, and a love for fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in fashion design, styling, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: Marist offers a strong fashion design program with a focus on creativity and practical skills. Students can participate in fashion shows and gain real-world experience through internships.

16. University of Delaware

GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Requirements: Good academic record, strong portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, merchandising, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: UD offers a comprehensive fashion design program with courses in design, textiles, and fashion business. Students can gain practical experience through co-op programs and internships.

17. University of North Texas

GPA: 3.3
Median SAT: 1100
Median ACT: 23
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Requirements: Decent grades, creative portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in fashion design, merchandising, and fashion technology.
Academic Highlights: UNT provides a strong fashion design program with a focus on creativity and technical skills. Students can participate in fashion shows and industry collaborations.

18. Syracuse University

GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Requirements: Good grades, strong portfolio, and a love for fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in fashion design, styling, and fashion media.
Academic Highlights: Syracuse offers a robust fashion design program with courses in design, textiles, and fashion business. Students can showcase their work in fashion shows and gain real-world experience through internships.

19. Woodbury University

GPA: 3.2
Median SAT: 1100
Median ACT: 22
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Requirements: Good academic record, creative portfolio, and interest in fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in fashion design, merchandising, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: Woodbury provides a comprehensive fashion design program with a focus on creativity and practical skills. Students can participate in fashion shows and gain real-world experience through internships.

20. Stephens College

GPA: 3.0
Median SAT: 1050
Median ACT: 21
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Requirements: Decent grades, strong portfolio, and a love for fashion.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in fashion design, styling, and fashion marketing.
Academic Highlights: Stephens offers a strong fashion design program with a focus on creativity and practical skills. Students can participate in fashion shows and gain real-world experience through internships.

Top 20 Best Colleges for Fashion Design in the US – Conclusion

Choosing the right college for fashion design is a crucial step towards a successful career in the fashion industry. The 20 best colleges listed above offer excellent programs that combine creativity, technical skills, and real-world experience. Whether you aim to become a fashion designer, stylist, or work in fashion marketing, these institutions provide the education, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive. Each school has its own strengths, from hands-on learning and industry internships to showcasing student work in fashion shows. By considering factors like GPA, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, requirements, and professional outcomes, you can select the college that best fits your aspirations and set the stage for an exciting future in fashion.