Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA: An Ultimate Guide to Top Universities & Fees

A Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA offers vast opportunities in the global design industry. Top institutions include the Rhode Island School of Design, ranked #4 in the QS World University Rankings for Art & Design, as well as renowned schools such as Parsons and Cornell.

Graduating from such renowned universities can lead you to top design firms with competitive starting salaries. For example, fashion designers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $70,826 (INR 60.7L). 

This guide highlights the top U.S. universities for fashion design, providing details on annual fees, admission requirements, and career prospects to help you study in the USA.

Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA: Overview

Studying a Bachelors in Fashion Designing in the USA offers a blend of creative innovation, technical skills, and business insight. 

According to the QS World University Rankings, institutions such as Parsons, Pratt Institute, and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) consistently rank among the top 10 globally in the field of art and design. 

Below is an overview of what you can expect from bachelor’s fashion design courses at leading U.S. universities.

Before exploring your top choices, you must understand why the USA remains a premier destination for a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing.

Why Pursue a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA?

A Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA offers immense career opportunities, access to top institutions, and global recognition. Enrolling in a fashion designing course after completing your 12th grade provides you with access to the fashion industry and leading institutions. Furthermore, it places you within the top education system in the USA.

Here are the key reasons why it's a great choice:

• Top Institutions: The USA is home to world-renowned fashion schools like Parsons and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), consistently ranking among the best globally for fashion design education.
• Industry Access: Studying in the U.S. enables students to attend major events, such as New York Fashion Week, providing valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and prominent brands.
• Diverse Specializations: U.S. fashion schools offer a range of specializations, including Fashion Design, Sustainable Fashion, and Luxury Fashion, providing a comprehensive education in these areas.
• Strong Job Market: The U.S. fashion industry is one of the largest globally, offering numerous career paths and strong industry connections at institutions like the Pratt Institute and Cornell University.
• Lucrative Salaries: Graduates from top U.S. fashion schools earn competitive salaries, with fashion designers making upwards of $80K (INR 68.6L) annually. Top school graduates often secure high-paying jobs in global fashion hubs, such as New York.
• Global Recognition: Graduates from U.S. fashion schools are highly sought after by prestigious global brands, such as Prada and Adidas, opening doors to international career opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: U.S. fashion schools, such as Parsons and Pratt, offer mentorship and resources to help students launch their brands and businesses.

A Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA is your gateway to a colourful career in the fashion industry. 

Let’s now explore the top universities offering a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA.

Top Universities Offering Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA

Top U.S. universities, such as the New York Institute of Technology, Parsons School of Design, and the University of California, Los Angeles, specialize in multiple fashion design programs.

Moreover, the U.S. is home to six fashion design programs featured in the QS Global Art & Design Rankings 2025, with leading institutions such as Parsons and FIT excelling in both creative and technical education.

Below is a comparison of the top 10 U.S. universities offering a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, including program types, fees, durations, and application deadlines.

Next, let us explore some of the other popular universities to study a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA.

Popular Universities to Study Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA

Exploring alternative universities can open up a wider range of options, helping you find the right choice for your personal goals and career aspirations. 

For example, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in the United States offers a Fashion Design course, where students gain practical experience through internships and studio projects, while developing a strong design portfolio.

Refer to the table below to compare semester tuition fees, program duration, application deadlines, and more for U.S. universities offering a Bachelor’s in Fashion Designing.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

After exploring the top U.S. universities offering Bachelor's in Fashion Designing, it’s essential to review the eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth application process.

Eligibility Criteria for a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA

To apply for a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent, a strong portfolio, and English language proficiency levels. Leading universities, such as the New York Institute of Technology, Parsons, and FIT, may also require standardized test scores, although some programs waive the GRE requirement.

With over 1.12 million international students enrolled in U.S. universities last year, including 3.3 L students from India, the competition is very high. Hence, it's crucial to meet these eligibility requirements to improve your chances of selection.

Here are the key eligibility requirements to study a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA:

Note: These criteria are standard but may vary slightly by institution.

After understanding the eligibility requirements, the next step is to collect all necessary documents and initiate your application for a successful Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA.

Application Process for Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA

Once you’ve fixed your mind on a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA, you need to be fully aware of the application process. With institutions such as the Parsons School of Design typically having acceptance rates ranging from 10% to 50%, the application process is competitive and requires careful preparation.

Below are the steps to apply for a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA:

Step 1: Research Program-Specific Requirements

Each institution has unique prerequisites. For instance:

• Parsons School of Design: Requires a portfolio submission, including the "Parsons Challenge" and a Statement of Purpose.
• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT): Applicants must submit a portfolio via SlideRoom, which should include design projects and a sewing project.
• Pratt Institute: Emphasizes a strong portfolio and may require a personal interview.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Submit your application through the university's portal, which typically includes:

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3)
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
• Portfolio (as per program requirements)

Step 3: Submit Portfolio & Attend Interview

Most programs require a digital portfolio showcasing your design work. Some institutions, like FIT, may also require a recorded interview. Programs such as Parsons, Pratt, and RISD may invite candidates for live portfolio reviews or interviews to assess motivation and fit.

Step 4: Optional GRE/GMAT

While generally optional, some programs may accept GRE scores. It's advisable to check the specific requirements of each institution.

Step 5: Monitor Application Status

Regularly check your application portal for updates. Institutions like Ohio Northern University and Cornell often notify applicants about interviews or next steps shortly after submission.

Step 6: Receive & Accept Offer

Upon acceptance, you'll receive an offer letter, often accompanied by scholarship details. Review and respond according to the deadline provided by the university.

Step 8: Apply for an F-1 Student Visa

After acceptance, begin the U.S. visa process by obtaining a Form I-20, paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, filling the DS-160 form, scheduling a consulate interview, and preparing necessary documents (I-20, passport, financial proof, etc.).

Now, let's take a closer look at the course structure and specialization options available for a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA.

Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA: Course Details & Specializations

The U.S. fashion industry, valued at $365.7 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a rate of 2.8% annually through 2028. This growth highlights the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field.

Programs offered by top universities, such as the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), enable students to specialize in various aspects of fashion design, including apparel design, textile design, accessory design, and sustainable fashion.

Here’s an overview of the Bachelor’s in Fashion Designing programs at leading U.S. institutions, detailing their course structures and key specialization options:

Now, let’s explore the costs you’ll encounter while considering a Bachelor's in Fashion Design in the USA, including tuition fees and living expenses.

Cost of Pursuing a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA

Studying for a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA presents a valuable opportunity, but it's essential to consider the associated costs. Tuition fees and living expenses can vary based on the university and location. 

On average, the cost of studying in the USA in public universities ranges from $8,000 to $35,000 (INR 6.9L – INR 30.1L) annually, while private universities can charge up to $50,000 (INR 43L). 

Here’s a quick overview of the estimated annual tuition costs for pursuing a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA, along with an approximate cost of living in USA.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

With an understanding of the monthly costs of studying fashion in the USA, it's time to look into how you can ease this financial load by securing scholarships.

Scholarships for Pursuing a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing USA

Enrolling in a Bachelor's in Design course abroad can be expensive. However, obtaining scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of fashion design courses in the USA. There are many fully funded scholarship opportunities, both merit- and need-based, available through top-tier schools and organizations.

For example, the Parsons School of Design offers up to $20,000 (INR 17.4L), and the FIT Presidential & Foundation Awards program covers up to full tuition.

Now, let's explore the internal scholarships available for studying in the USA.

Internal Scholarships

Many universities offer internal scholarships to reduce financial stress. These scholarships are sourced directly from university financial aid funds. For example, the Ohio Northern University awards up to $23,500 (INR 20.4L) based on GPA and test scores.

Here’s a comparison of top internal  scholarships available at various US universities:

Apart from the above, you can also avail a range of external scholarships to further ease the financial burden of studying a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships greatly ease the financial burden of pursuing a fashion design education in the USA. 

For example, the Fulbright Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance for 4,000 international graduate students annually. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship provides up to $100,000 (INR 74.5L) for tuition and living costs.

Here’s a quick summary of the notable external scholarships available for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fashion design:

Upon completing your Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA, you'll have access to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Let’s explore them more.

Job Opportunities After a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA

Upon completing your Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA, you can pursue various career paths such as fashion designer, textile designer, fashion stylist, retail buyer, and visual merchandiser. These roles are integral to the fashion industry, contributing to its growth and innovation.

The growing demand and the need for specialized skills have led to the creation of some of the highest-paying jobs in the world in the fashion design field. In terms of compensation, the median annual wage for fashion designers was $80,690 (INR 69.2L).

Here’s a breakdown of the various job roles available after completing a Bachelor’s in Fashion Designing USA, along with their average annual salaries:

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed, Payscale

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

As demand for fashion design professionals grows, leading companies are seeking talent across the fashion industry, offering diverse opportunities for growth and specialization.

Here are some of the top recruiters in the fashion design industry in the US.

Top Recruiters

The U.S. fashion industry offers exciting entry-level opportunities with competitive salaries and benefits. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike hire graduates, with salaries averaging between $40K (INR 34.2L) and $60K (INR 51.4L) annually. 

Part-time jobs in the USA also offer a flexible income while studying, with abundant career growth opportunities in fashion hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Here are some leading companies hiring fashion design professionals:

Source: Indeed

Note: The INR conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Having a fair idea of the job opportunities available, it’s time to demonstrate how upGrad can support you in your journey to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Designing in the USA.

How upGrad Can Help You Study a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in USA?

A Bachelor's in Fashion Design in the USA can be both exciting and challenging, with the application process, visa requirements, and financial planning often confusing you. upGrad simplifies this journey by offering comprehensive support at every step.

From personalized mentorship and visa assistance to English proficiency test preparation and scholarship guidance, upGrad ensures you're fully equipped to tackle the complexities of studying abroad. Additionally, career counseling helps you align your creative goals with top fashion design programs.

Looking to pursue a Bachelor's in Fashion Designing in the USA but don’t know where to begin? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts to explore the best programs available and universities tailored to your aspirations.