Are you considering applying to a fashion school anywhere around the world ? If so, this article may help! This article provides you with the most recent information on affordable fashion schools in the world
Here you’ll find details on best affordable fashion schools in the world, best fashion designing colleges in world, cheapest fashion schools in the world, what are the best fashion schools in the world, best affordable fashion schools in the world and many more related topics on Collegelearners.
cheap fashion schools for international students
Fashion design students will spend a significant amount of money on everything from fabrics, dye, other art supplies, and accessories to thread, sewing, and patternmaking tools, in contrast to most other degree programs that only require students to buy standard materials like books and school supplies. Students would be unable to bring their works to life without these in their toolkit. Simply put, fashion students will invest a significant portion of their college years in purchasing supplies that the average student won’t have to. This might make a fashion degree one of the most costly undergraduate degrees in the entire world when combined with tuition, housing, and other fees.
While having to purchase supplies and equipment throughout is a given, paying an exorbitant amount of money for your degree doesn’t have to be. In fact, some of the least expensive fashion programs may cost less than $20,000 per academic year, while some of the most expensive programs (typically offered at private schools) can cost more than $50,000 per year. Even better news is, just because the less expensive programs cost less, it doesn’t mean they offer less. In fact, many of the affordable fashion schools that we found rank among the best in the U.S. Fashion Institute of Technology New York (FIT NY), San Francisco State University (SFSU), and Columbia College Chicago are just a few.
There are dozens of affordable fashion schools out there, so keep in mind that the buck doesn’t stop here. But we think that the 15 schools on our list is a darn good start. Please take a look at some of America’s most affordable fashion schools—in no particular order.
Fashion designing is a fun, yet demanding career path. Therefore, If you are thinking of joining the fashion industry, you need to be doubly prepared to enter any area of fashion.
Hence, be it the designing or the making of clothes for sale, education in a reputable school will positively influence and boost your fashion design career.
However, before listing the best fashion schools in the world, let’s see why you might want to attend a fashion school and how our rankings were.
History Of Fashion Designing
Fashion designing can be loosely defined as ‘the art of creating fashionable apparel’. The origin of fashion designing dates as far back as 1826. Charles Frederick Worth is believed to be the first fashion designer of the world, from 1826 to 1895. Charles, who was earlier a draper, set up a fashion house in Paris.
Frederick Worth is believed to be the first fashion designer in the world, between 1826 to 1895. Charles, who was earlier a draper, established a fashion house in Paris. He was the one who originated the idea of fashion houses and telling his customers the kind of clothing that would suit them.
At that time, a good number of design houses started to hire the services of artists to generate patterns for garments. Patterns would be presented to the clients, who would then place an order if they liked them. It was during this timeframe that the idea of presenting patterns to the customers and then stitching them started, instead of the earlier system whereby the finished garments would be presented to them.
What is Fashion Designing
Fashion designing can be simply defined as ‘the art of creating fashionable garments’. With the passage of time, however, the idea of ‘fashion designing’ has stretched to other things such as fashion accessories such as jewelry, bags, footwear, etc. Having in mind the evolution of fashion designing, it would not be wrong to define it as ‘the creation of fashion’.
Who Is A Fashion Designer
A fashion designer is one who attempts to design clothes that are useful as well as aesthetically pleasing. They consider who is likely to wear a garment and the situations in which it will be worn, and then work within a wide range of materials, colors, patterns, and styles.
A fashion designer is responsible for creating the definite look of an individual’s garments-including a garment’s shape, color, fabric, trimmings, and other aspects of the whole.
The fashion designer begins with an idea of how a garment should look, turns that idea into a design (such as a sketch), and specifies how that design should be made into an actual piece of clothing by other workers (from patternmakers to finishers).
The category of fashion designer includes people at various levels of the fashion business, from well-known couturiers to anonymous designers working for commercial ready-to-wear houses, to stylists who might make only small modifications in existing designs.
Fashion designers hold a special place in the world. Their talent and vision not only play a major role in how people look, but they have also made important contributions to the cultural and social environment.
Los Angeles is the hub of fashion, check out 13 Art Schools in Los Angeles.
Why Study Fashion
Fashion Designing is a much hunted-after career. There are many people who aim to get to the top, but not everyone can ascend the ladder of success. Therefore, to become successful in fashion designing, it requires so many skills. Hence, if you must survive in this industry, you have to be the “best”.
A career in the world of fashion can provide you with diverse opportunities extending from being a fashion designer to becoming a buyer for a large department store. Working with fashion allows you to deliver your creativity and love for fashion in a variety of outlets. Whether you are designing dresses or editing a fashion spread for the next season’s newest trends, a career in fashion can be an exciting, fascinating job.
However, being talented and creative alone is not sufficient, fundamental sewing and designing abilities are a must-have. Any fashion lover who wants to become a fashion designer should register in a fashion designing school as such institutes not only train you but also get you prepared for the industry. They give flexibility and the right skill set to stay on top of your game!
Why Would Someone Want To Become A Fashion Designer
Many fashion designers gain their training through a fashion design program at a college or university. Some attend schools devoted to the study of fashion design, while others take programs based in traditional colleges.
Fashion design degrees are accessible at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Some schools even offer MBA programs that concentrate on the business side of the fashion industry.
Those who want to enter a fashion design program are often expected to acquire fundamental abilities before applying. A fashion program may expect prospective students to present their portfolio and pass design and sewing tests when they apply. Designers may teach themselves these skills or take classes to acquire these skills before college.
Students in fashion design programs learn about textiles, sketching, sewing, draping, and creating patterns with the help of CAD software. They also learn about the history of fashion, trend forecasting, and the business of fashion. Students may create their own collection as a senior project. Collections and other student work can be valuable additions to a designer’s portfolio. Designers pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees may focus on a precise type of design, such as children’s wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, or sportswear.
Design students in some programs take on internships to put their knowledge to work under the guidance of experienced professionals at large design houses or in fashion merchandising.
best fashion colleges in the world
If you have an interest in fashion career and you are looking for the right schools, the choices can be devastating. here is a list of best schools that offer fashion designing in the world. To help you on your way, the World Scholarship Forum has ranked the 13 best fashion schools in the world.
Although we are transparent about the measures used to compile this list, you should use it essentially as a take-off for your own research. It is not a yardstick to the quality of a school’s program.
We encourage you to focus less on the strict order of rankings and more on the individual qualities of each school.
1. Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
Ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is located in New York. This school is a hub for fashion, business, design, marketing, and technology.
It is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and offers programs related to the fashion industry. The institute boasts of having excellent networking access with industries and platforms around the world. It is part of one of the largest comprehensive university systems of the United States. FIT’s strategic location, New York, one of the top four fashion capitals of the world is an added advantage to its students.
FIT alumni include some of the world-famous designers like Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. FIT’s 3 academic schools, a graduate school, and the Centre for Continuing and Professional Studies offer various competitive programs befitting your interests be it business in fashion or pure fashion studies. For instance, you can pursue a degree in International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries or opt for a degree in Fashion and Textile Studies.
Some of the most famous programs of FIT include BS and MS in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management, Associate in Applied Science (AAS), BFA and MFA in Fashion Design, AAS and BS in Fashion Business Management, Master of Professional Studies in Global Fashion Management to name a few. The total cost of tuition for AAS and BS programs may range from $35,000 to $45,000 annually and full-time graduate programs are estimated to be around $ 13,000 per semester.
They have an acceptance rate of 40.4% and a graduation rate of 77,4%Visit School
2. Parsons School of Design, New York
Ranked among the top fashion schools in the world. Parsons School of Design in New York is a private art and design school. The school’s location and innovative curriculum allow its students to cooperate with peers, industry partners and communities around the world to develop their skills and knowledge.
Parsons offers undergraduate, graduate, associate degrees (AAS), online programs and summer programs in a wide range of disciplines. Their disciplines include fashion, design management, design studies, media, studio design and more. When it comes to fashion studies you can choose from a range of courses based on your qualifications and career plans. – AAS Fashion Design, AAS Fashion Marketing, and Communication, Certificate in Fashion Business (Online). Certificate in Fashion Design, BFA Fashion Design, MFA Fashion Design and Society, MPS Fashion Management and MA Fashion Studies.
Tuition fees for both international and domestic students are the same ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 per term. All applicants to Parsons are automatically recognized for merit scholarship awards at the time of application. Parson graduates are located in more than 120 countries creating their own fashion lines with many receiving honors such as Emmy and Coty Awards. You can visit their website and drop an email to the friendly admissions team for any inquiries before applying.
The school has an acceptance rate of 35% and a graduation rate of 72.0%Visit School
3. Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London
Central Saint Martins or CSM is a profound public tertiary art school in one of the world’s most stylish cities fashion capital, London. A constituent college of the University of the Arts London. CSM gives diverse full-time courses from base to postgraduate levels in disciplines. These include Drama, Fashion, Art, Higher Education, Spatial Practices for Architecture and Interior Design to name a few.
The school’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Fashion have been consistently rated among the top ten by many academic league tables including Business of Fashion, QS Ranking, and Times Higher Education. CSM has programs designed for fashion aspirants at every level. Popular fashion programs include BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Design with Knitwear, BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Design with Marketing, BA (Hons) Fashion Communication: Fashion Journalism, MA Fashion, MA Fashion Communication.
If you are interested in a shorter program at the postgraduate level you can consider the 1-year Graduate Diploma in Fashion. The CSM’s several short courses and online programs are also in high demand catering to distinct interests. So, if you are keen to start your own fashion label you can opt for a short course in Fashion Business.
CSM is one of the earliest art colleges in England since its inception the school has been producing world-famous fashion designers, film producers, politicians and more. Famous fashion alumni include designers Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. Applications to CSM are made online, go through the website for program-specific requirements to start applying.
The school has an acceptance rate of about 25.9%, academic reputation: 96.9%, and employer reputation: 91.2%.Visit School
4. London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London
High rated fashion college of the University of the Arts London, the London College Fashion (LCF) is the only college in Britain to specialize in Fashion education, consultancy, and research. The college grants diverse undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses in fields ranging from fashion business to fashion curation. This college has produced famous designers including footwear designer Jimmy Choo and fashion designer William Tempest.
LCF also includes a unique study abroad semester program to Paris to learn more about fashion and culture. If you are just out of college and looking for a world-class undergraduate degree, then apply for one of the many BA, BSc, and integrated MSc programs. Disciplines like Psychology of Fashion, Hair, and Make-Up for Fashion, Cosmetic Science, Fashion Sportswear, Fashion Journalism to name a few are all available for undergraduate level.
However, if you hold a degree and intend to further your skills or a shift in career, there are other postgraduate courses of LCF. These postgraduate courses include MA Fashion Design Technology Menswear and Womenswear, MA Fashion Retail Management, Executive MBA in Fashion, LCF MBA, Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology, etc. Interested scholars must check program admission requirements before applying. International students can also contact LCF’s international representatives for more information.
The school has an acceptance rate of 22% and a graduation rate of 98%Visit School
5. Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, Finland
Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture located in Finland is a renowned school for Fashion and a great choice. Basically, this school of art and design is for you if you want to explore Nordic and Scandinavian fashion, commonly known as Scandi fashion, and create your own unique collection. Known for its great industry collaborations, research activities and challenging programs, the school’s academic programs are delivered by 5 departments.
Fashion aspirants can study design, fashion, co-design, design leadership or sustainable development. At the bachelor’s level, one can opt for Design, Fashion or the Aalto Bachelor Program in Design. At the Master’s level, one can opt for either Collaborative and Industrial Design or Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design; or Contemporary Design program.
Programs are designed in such a way that students can not only develop their artistic skills but strategic thinking and research talents too. Furthermore, Aalto’s unique Fashion/Textile Futures research group works towards exploring human-centered design research.
The estimated tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree program is €12,000 per year and a Master’s program is €15,000 per year for international and non-EEA citizens. European Union (EU) citizens are not required to pay tuition fees for degree studies. Also, deserving candidates may also receive scholarship awards. However, applicants must check the website to learn about the admission requirements and deadlines before applying.
It has an acceptance rate of 8% and a graduation rate of 85%
6. ESMOD International, Paris
The École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode or ESMOD situated in Paris is one of the ‘Big Four’, highly regarded private French fashion school for over 173 years. ESMOD has five networks of schools within France and 20 schools in over 13 countries. The school offers different programs in Fashion Design (ESMOD) and Fashion Business (ISEM).
Some of their many programs include Foundation Course in Fashion Design & Business, Fashion Designer – Undergraduate, Graduate Program Diploma. In addition, Creative Director and MBA short courses exist in pattern making, a fashion business and many more. If you are a Fashion Business or a third-year Fashion Designer student, you may land yourself an internship or employment with one of the fashion giants Chanel or Hermes, the headquarters of which are located close to the campus.
ESMOD and ISEM’s large alumni and industry network gives students career support and placement. Interested applicants must check program admission requirements.
The tuition for the undergraduate program is about 10,250€ for the academic year For the postgraduate programs, the tuition is 12,900€. For the other programs, consult the different fees on the application form.Visit School
7. Polimoda, Florence, Italy
Ranked as one of the top 20 in the world by leading fashion league tables. Polimoda is a private fashion school in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy. The school offers diverse programs at undergraduate and masters levels. In addition, a wide range of seasonal programs is also offered during Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The programs are mainly under four branches – Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Art Direction, and Design Management.
At the undergraduate level, you can find interesting programs such as Fashion Technology, Leather Technology, Fashion Art Direction, Fashion Design Management and more. At the master’s level, you have more options to choose from; – Knitwear Design, Bag Design, Fashion Merchandising and Buying, Fashion Trend Forecasting, Creative Director and others.
Seasonal programs include Bespoke Fashion, Fashion Photography, Fashion Jewellery, Sustainable Fashion, Luxury-Design Management, etc. Polimoda offers 3years of undergraduate programs and 9months of master’s studies. The seasonal short program is 1month. They offer the most up to date Programs run by industry experts and international guest lecturers. Students are allowed to join in fashion shows, museum trips, and internship opportunities. The application process is online, includes an interview, check Polimoda’s website for the admission requirements before filling up the application form. Deserving candidates may also be eligible for a scholarship.
The school has a graduation rate of 91%, class Size: 20 students. Enrollment: 2,341, job Placement Rate of 91%, student/Teacher Ratio is 10:1,
Annual Tuition: Undergraduate: €18,000 (or $20,011 at the current exchange rate) Graduate: €28,000 (or $31,129 at the current exchange rate)Visit School
8. Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp
Located in Antwerp, Belgium, the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. The school grants a variety of programs from Sculpture and Spatial Art to Sound Design. The bachelor and master’s degree programs in Fashion Design offer specializations such as graphics, tailoring and pattern design’, theoretical courses on world literature, art history, cultural studies and more.
Final year master’s degree students are given absolute liberty to produce their all-round final collection based on inspiration from a preferred artist, celebrity or even a social question.
The school concentrates on a well-rounded development crucial for a successful fashion designer. Common programs include Bachelor and Master of Visual Arts – Costume Design, Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts – Fashion. The institute conducts an entrance exam for most of its programs. Interested candidates must check the application requirements in order to apply.
- Enrollment: 84
- Graduation Rate: 23%
- Student/Teacher Ratio: 12:1
9. Istituto Europeo di Design, Milan
Located in Milan, one of the four biggest fashion capitals of the world. IED or Istituto Europeo di Design also present in Spain and Brazil offers top-notch programs in Design, Fashion, Visual Communication and Management in several languages. – English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. IED offers undergraduate, masters, short summer and winter courses and continuing programs.
Approved courses include Fashion Design, Visual Communication, and Fashion Printing. Additionally, Fashion Trends Investigation, Fashion Marketing, short programs such as Fashion Design Summer Kids, Beachwear Design and many more courses exist for you to select from depending on which area you want to specialize in. Programs are taught by industry experts and international faculties.
The location of IED’s main campus in Milan is an added advantage, allowing students to visualize, ideate and create superior work being present at the center of fashion, art, and culture. Notable alumni include fashion designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first female creative director at Dior.
In order to commence the admission process, candidates must visit the IED website and contact the IED admission office through the webpage of the relevant course. Subsequently, an admission advisor usually sends out the forms, necessary brochures, login credentials, and fee information prior to commencing the online application process.
The average fee is between 850 euros and 1,000 euros per year.Visit School
10. Bunka Gakuen, Tokyo
Bunka Gakuen University’s fashion school located in Tokyo is one of Asia’s highest-ranked fashion schools. Studying in Tokyo, one of the top 10 fashion capitals of the world, means you can access the best of East-West Fusion, Tokyo’s new generation avant-garde designers, the region’s contemporary art style and many more.
Fashion courses at Bunka Gakuen are granted by Bunka Fashion College and Bunka Fashion Graduate University. Programs offered span from Fashion Design to Research and Creation Fashion Technology.
Undergraduate programs at Bunka Fashion College are divided into four departments – Fashion Creation, Fashion Technology, Fashion Marketing, and Distribution, then, Fashion Accessories and Textiles Department. The Bunka Fashion Graduate University offers graduate programs in Fashion Creation, Design and Fashion Management.
Those who have an interest in Fashion Business can go on to pursue Fashion Business Administration or Research Project Fashion Management Course. Interested candidates may download the application form and check the requirements before applying or write to the college for inquiries.
International applicants interested to study at Bunka Fashion must take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and pass the Japanese University Admission for International Students. Additionally, foreign candidates interested to pursue a master’s must hold a 16 years bachelor’s degree.
Total enrollment is 4,500 with a Tuition fee of $18,750
11. Kent State University, Kent, OH
Kent State has a few more options for students who are interested in the business side of the fashion industry. You can select from a BA or BFA in Fashion Design or a BS in Fashion Merchandising. One unique choice is a combined BS/MBA program in Fashion Merchandising.
The school has its own satellite campus in NYC, which is clearly important regarding that Kent, OH isn’t exactly a fashion capital. About 45 students a year head off to Florence, Italy to study at the school’s Palazzo campus. Kent State also has a partnership with The Paris Academy in Paris, France. Overall, students seem to have lots of choices when it comes to off-campus experiences.
Finally, the school claims that their placement rate in the fashion industry for graduates of the Fashion School is over 90%.
Fashion degrees offered: BA, BFA, BS/MBAVisit School
12. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah, GA
SCAD, which offers a BFA in fashion design (in addition to an MA and MFA), is a reputable, high-ranked design school with many other strong design programs.
The school takes pride in its ability to stay on top of the latest design technology which may be why it’s so successful at attracting top names in fashion for guest lectures, panel discussions, and student critiques. Some of these past fashion experts include Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, and Vera Wang. It’s no surprise that SCAD hosts one of the top student fashion shows in the country to showcase student work.
Fashion degrees offered: BFAVisit School
13. Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Drexel, which offers a bachelor’s in fashion design, equips students for careers in design, styling, advertising, and computer-aided and technical design. The school supports hands-on experiences in the industry by demanding students to submit designs to national and international competitions.
Drexel has a couple of exceptional programs for fashion-minded students. Firstly, there’s a unique six-month “co-op” program – an extended internship of sorts – where students work at different companies around the country to improve their abilities. Secondly, there’s a study abroad program at the College of London.
what is the best school for fashion in America
1. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, New York
This public school of fashion, art, design, business and communications is home to five academic divisions including the School of Art and Design, Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology, the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Graduate Studies and the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies. The School of Art and Design is home to an endless number of one-of-a-kind fashion programs. Options include AAS and BFA degrees in Accessories Design (the first of its kind in the U.S.), AAS and BFA degrees in Fashion Design, a BFA in Fabric Styling, an AAS in Jewelry Design, an AAS in Menswear (the only menswear degree in the U.S.), AAS and BFA degrees in Textile/Surface Design, and the country’s only Certificate programs in Millinery and Performance Athletic Footwear.
Students have access to internship opportunities at major brands from Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan to Michael Kors and Liz Claiborne. Study abroad opportunities run the gamut from stays at the London College of Fashion and the fashion capitals of Paris and Milan to the unique International Fashion Design degree that allows first-year students to begin their studies in Italy. FIT students often land positions at leading companies such as Liz Claiborne, Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Nicole Miller, Calvin Klein, Nautica, and many others.
For all of this, New York residents will pay $3,235.00 per semester ($6,470/year), and nonresidents will pay $9,796.00 per semester ($19,592/year) for the 2016-2017 school year. Please note that the rates listed are for tuition only. See more FIT tuition information here.
2. Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Columbia College Chicago is home to more than 10,000 students enrolled in over 100 academic majors or programs. The School of Fine and Performing Arts, Department of Fashion Studies offers several programs for aspiring fashion designers. Offerings include BA and BFA degrees in Fashion Design, a BA in Fashion Business and a Fashion Business Minor.
Program highlights include a Semester in LA, internship opportunities, and access to the school’s Fashion Lab, the Fashion Study Collection (FSC), and the Fashion Study Collection Research Center (workspace and archive). Students also have the opportunity to display their creations in the Fashion Studies Exhibition Windows on campus.
Annual tuition at Columbia College is $24,590.00 for the 2016-2017 school year. This is among the lowest of all private arts and media colleges in the nation. See more Columbia College tuition information here.
3. California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California
California State University Long Beach (CSULB) is home to 35,592 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across eight colleges. The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), Department of Family & Consumer Sciences offers several programs for aspiring fashion designers including a BA in Family and Consumer Sciences with an Option in Fashion Design and a Minor in Textiles. Program highlights include participation in the Annual Spring Fashion Show and Fashion Study Tours of New York City offered every January and July. Tours of Paris luxury fashion industries are also offered every June.
Tuition for CSULB is $5,472 for the 2016-2017 school year for residents.Nonresidents must add $372.00 for each unit of credit taken per semester or $248 per quarter unit. Rates are for tuition only. See more CSULB tuition information here.
4. Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is home to more than 22,000 students enrolled in more than 140 academic programs. The school’s College of Behavioral Science offers a Textile, Merchandising, and Design major that allows students to pursue a BS in Apparel Design or Fashion Merchandising. This unique major also provides the opportunity for students to Minor in Art, Entertainment Arts Design, Entrepreneurship, or Mass Communication.
Tennessee residents will pay $3,300 per semester for 12 credit hours, so that’s $6,600 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $23,736 for 12 credit hours for the 2016-2017 school year. Rates are for tuition only. See more MTSU tuition information here.
5. AI Miami International University of Art and Design, Miami, Florida
AI Miami International University of Art and Design is a member of The Art Institutes, which consists of more than 40 educational institutions located across North America. AI Miami offers an extensive number of programs in the Design, Fashion, Media Arts, and Culinary fields. Offerings for fashion design students include a BFA and AA degrees in Fashion Design, AA degrees in Accessory Design and Fashion Merchandising, and a BA in Fashion Merchandising.
The total cost for tuition and fees for any 45-month bachelor’s degree program is $88,020 ($22,005 per year). See more AI Miami tuition information here.
6. Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey
This public school is home to 20,897 students enrolled in 300 majors, minors, concentrations and certificate programs across nine schools. The College of Art, Department of Art and Design offers a BA and a Minor in Fashion Studies, and a Fashion Merchandising Minor. According to the Department, “the curriculum includes courses in textile and apparel manufacturing, fashion merchandising, retailing, consumer action, marketing, administration, accounting, and economics.” Students can also choose from “a wide range of art-making courses such as figure drawing, fashion illustration, and costume and interior design.” Students “gain hands-on industry experience through full-time internships and cooperative education experiences with a range of companies that develop, produce, and promote fashion.”
Tuition and fees for residents of Montclair total $12,112 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $20,004 for tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year. See more Montclair State University tuition information here.
7. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
The University of Cincinnati (UC Cincinnati) is the oldest institute of higher education in Cincinnati. The school is home to 44,338 students enrolled in 13 colleges and a graduate school. The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) houses the School of Design, which offers a BS in Design. Students may choose from two concentrations including Fashion Design or Product Strategy. A Fashion Design Studies Minor is also on the menu.
The Design program has a mandatory education component that allows students to graduate with a year and a half of professional fashion experience. Students in the mandatory Cooperative Program work full-time in the fashion industry on alternating semesters, beginning in their second year.
Fashion students who are residents of Ohio will pay $11,000 for tuition for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $26,334. Some residents of Kentucky and Indiana may qualify for Ohio-resident tuition. Click here for more information. Also, see more UC Cincinnati tuition information here.
8. New Mexico State University-Main Campus, Las Cruces, New Mexico
New Mexico State University (NMSU) is home to more than 15,000 students enrolled in more than 180 degree programs. Fourteen are offered nowhere else in New Mexico. The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) is home to the Clothing, Textiles & Fashion Merchandising (CTFM) program. Here, students can earn a BS in Clothing, Textiles & Fashion Merchandising. Besides Fashion and Merchandising, students in the program will study Studio Art, Accounting, Business Administration, Communications, Consumer Science, Journalism, Marketing, and Management. Retail and design internships are also on the menu as well as participation in the annual fashion show. Graduates of the CTFM program go on to become Fashion Designers, Buyers, Journalists, Coordinators and Stylists, Quality Control Technicians, and Entrepreneurs.
Tuition rates are as follows: Fall 2016 $2,653.50 resident; Fall 2016 $2,919 nonresident (135-mile radius). Spring 2017 $2,653.50 resident; Spring 2017 $2,919 nonresident (135-mile radius), Nonresident $9,906 Spring 2017; Fall 2017 $9,906.
9. Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Ohio University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio and the first in the Northwest Territory. The school is home to more than 17,500 undergraduate students enrolled in over 250 academic programs across dozens of departments and schools. The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, Department of Human and Consumer Sciences house the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (ATM) program. Offerings include a BS and a Minor in Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development (B.S.H.C.S.) and an MS in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising (ATM). The fashion programs at Ohio University prepare students for positions in retail management, marketing, and distribution, as well as product development positions such as Buyer, Store or Corporate Manager, Visual Merchandiser, Manufacturer’s Sales Representative, and Fashion Coordinator.
Tuition and fees for Ohio University residents is $5,268 per semester, so $10,536 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $19,500 for the 2016-2017 school year. See more Ohio University tuition information here.
10. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University (ASU) is home to more than 71,000 students across five campuses including Tempe, West (Glendale), Polytechnic (Mesa), Downtown Phoenix, and Thunderbird (Glendale) and another 20,000+ students at SkySong—the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. Established in 1885, the Tempe campus (main) is home to the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (ASU Herberger). The Institute offers several programs or aspiring fashion designers including a BA in Art with a Concentration in Fashion Design and an AAS-to-BAS in Fashion Merchandising.
Base tuition and fees for Arizona residents is $10,370 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $26,470. See more ASU tuition information here.
11. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW-Madison) is home to 43,389 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 21 colleges and schools. The School of Human Ecology (SOHE) offers a BS in Textiles and Fashion Design (TFD). Part of the Design Studies Department, the program blends Art, Design, Science, Textiles, and Fashion Design, and it allows students to specialize in Apparel or Textiles and Accessories. Both specializations highlight “finding sustainable solutions” to real-world problems as well as internship opportunities and participation in the annual THREADS Fashion Show.
Tuition only for Wisconsin residents is $5,207 for 12-18 credit hours for the Spring 2016 semester and $5,244 for the Fall 2016 semester. Nonresidents will pay $14,832 for Spring 2016, and $16,369 for Fall 2016. See more UW-Madison tuition information here.
12. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
San Francisco State University (SFSU) is home to 30,500 students enrolled in more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, 17 credential programs, and 38 certificate programs across seven colleges. The College of Health and Social Sciences is home to the Consumer & Family Studies/Dietetics Department, which offers a BS in Apparel Design and Merchandising (ADM). Students may choose from two emphasis areas including Apparel Design or Fashion Merchandising.
Tuition only for California residents is $2,736 for the Fall 2016 semester. Nonresidents must pay an additional $372 Per Semester Unit, so for 12 units the tuition cost for the Fall 2016 semester would be $7,200. See more SFSU tuition information here.
13. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State Raleigh) is home to 33,989 students enrolled in more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 12 colleges and 65 departments. The College of Textiles is home to two academic departments—the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, and Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science. The Departments offer five BS degrees, four master’s degrees, an accelerated program, and two doctoral degrees. According to the Department, the College of Textiles also has a “long-standing and robust distance education program. Textile Online Programs (TOP) offers over fifty courses taught online.”
Program offerings include BS degrees in Fashion and Textile Management, Polymer and Color Chemistry, Textile Engineering, and Textile Technology; MS degrees in Textile Chemistry, Textile Engineering, and Textiles, an MT in Textiles, an Accelerated Bachelor’s Master’s (ABM), and PhD degrees in Fiber and Polymer Science and Textile Technology Management.
Tuition only for North Carolina residents is $6,407 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $23,926. See more NC State-Raleigh tuition information here.
14. California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA), Los Angeles, California
California State University – Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is home to 27,000 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across eight colleges and dozens of departments. The College of Arts and Letters, Department of Art offers a BA with a Major in Fashion, Fib
er and Materials, and an MA with an Option in Fashion, Fiber and Materials. The BA program features 120-units of study, of which 62-69 units are in the major. The MA is a 30-unit program, which focuses on advanced study and practice in Fashion, Fiber and Materials.
Tuition only for California residents $6,356 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresident students are assessed an additional $372 per unit resulting in a rate of $15,284 for the 2016-2017 school year. See more Cal State LA tuition information here.
15. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University (LSU) is home to more than 29,000 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 11 colleges and schools. The College of Agriculture offers a BS in Textiles, Apparel, & Merchandising (TAM) with Concentrations in Apparel Design, Merchandising and Textile Science. According to the College, graduates pursue careers with textile and apparel manufacturers, retailers, testing laboratories, government agencies, and media firms, and some even open their own businesses.
Tuition only for Louisiana residents is $10,758 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents will pay $27,434.