Fashion Designing Courses in USA

The USA is emerging as a premier destination for fashion design aspirants. According to QS Subject Rankings, fashion designing courses in USA dominate the top 10 globally, with Parsons, RISD, Pratt, and SAIC consistently leading.

The U.S. fashion design courses attract over 50,000 international students annually, supported by industry-integrated curricula, global brand partnerships, and access to high-profile fashion ecosystems to study in Los Angeles and New York.

This blog covers the top U.S. universities for fashion design, annual fees, eligibility, and career pathways, giving you a solid roadmap to plan your studies in the USA.

Fashion Designing Courses in the USA: Overview 

Fashion designing courses in the U.S. blend creative innovation with technical expertise and business acumen. 

According to the QS World University Rankings, the U.S. dominates the top 10 design schools globally - Parsons, FIT, Pratt, and SCAD are consistently among the best U.S. schools, and also rank highly in Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report for Art & Design disciplines.

The table below gives a clear snapshot of an overview of Fashion design courses in USA Universities:

Before exploring your top options, it’s essential to understand why the USA remains a leading destination for Fashion design programs worldwide.

Why Pursue Fashion Designing Courses in USA?

A fashion designing course in the USA can propel your career with access to world-class education, strong industry connections, and global recognition. 

Choosing to pursue a fashion designing course after your 12th grade gives you unparalleled access to the fashion ecosystem, advanced fashion institutions, and the best Education system in the USA.

Below are eight compelling reasons to study fashion design in the U.S., with a focus on opportunities, specializations, and career outcomes:

• Globally Acclaimed Institutions: The USA is home to some of the best fashion design schools worldwide, like Parsons School of Design and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), which consistently rank among the top in global rankings. 
• Access to Industry Leaders and Events: Studying fashion design in the U.S. provides students with the opportunity to attend fashion shows, exhibitions, and events, such as New York Fashion Week and LA Fashion Week.
• Diverse Specializations & Innovation: American fashion design schools offer a range of specializations, including Fashion Design, Textile and Fiber Design, Accessory Design, and Sustainable Fashion. You can pursue innovative master programs in Fashion Management or Luxury Fashion.
• High Career Opportunities and Job Market: The U.S. fashion industry is one of the largest in the world, with numerous career paths in design, marketing, brand management, and merchandising. Top schools like the Pratt Institute and SCAD have strong industry ties.
• Lucrative Career Outcomes: Graduates from top U.S. fashion schools earn competitive salaries, with fashion designers making upwards of USD 70,000 (INR 60.5 lakh) annually. Top school graduates often secure high-paying jobs in global fashion hubs like New York.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Innovation: The United States supports entrepreneurial initiatives in the fashion industry. Schools like Parsons and SCAD offer resources, mentorship, and incubation programs. The startup culture in the U.S. empowers students to innovate and create their brands.
• Global Recognition and Influence: Graduates often find employment with prestigious international brands, while others use their education to start their successful ventures in the global fashion market.

A fashion design degree in the USA gives you access to world-class education. Now, let us explore the top universities offering fashion designing courses in USA.

Top Universities Offering Fashion Design Courses in USA

The U.S. hosts 6 fashion design programs featured in the QS Global Art & Design Rankings 2025. Several elite institutions now offer leading Fashion Design courses that blend creative innovation, technical skill development, and global industry exposure.

Below is a comparison of 10 popular universities where you can pursue Fashion Designing Courses, including program types, semester fees, durations, and key deadlines:

Next, let us explore some of the most popular universities to study Fashion Designing courses in USA.

Popular Universities to Study Fashion Designing Courses in USA

The United States has the world’s top-ranked institutions for fashion design, as recognized consistently in QS, THE, and U.S. News & World Report rankings. Attracted by state‑of‑the‑art facilities and strong industry connections, thousands of international students enroll in U.S. fashion programs each year.

Explore the table below to compare semester tuition, duration, intake/deadline details, and more for the top U.S. universities offering Fashion Design courses:

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

Let us now look at the eligibility criteria required to pursue Fashion Designing courses in USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Fashion Designing Courses in the USA

In the last academic year, over 1.12 million international students enrolled at American universities, with nearly 332,000 from India alone. 

Many top U.S. fashion programs require proof of English proficiency and a strong portfolio. Leading schools like Parsons and FIT waive GRE requirements.

Here are the key eligibility requirements to study for a U.S. fashion program:

Let us now walk through the step-by-step application process for pursuing Fashion Designing courses in USA.

Application Process for Fashion Designing Courses in the USA

Universities like Parsons, FIT, and Pratt are highly competitive - Parsons, for example, admits just over 50% of graduate applicants. To maximize your chances, understand and prepare all documents, portfolios, and test scores in advance.

The application process involves submitting your application through the university portal, along with documents such as academic transcripts and proof of your English language proficiency level. If selected, apply for a U.S. student visa with the required documents, such as your passport. 

Below are the steps to apply for a master’s in Fashion Design in the USA:

Step 1: Research Program-Specific Requirements

Identify requirements such as portfolio standards, test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo), and additional application components like thesis proposals or essays.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Fill out the application form on the university’s portal and pay the fee (USD 100 (INR 8.5K)) for most programs. Include:

• Academic transcripts (or international credential evaluations)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)/short written responses
• Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3)
• Resume/CV
• English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE)
• Thesis Proposal (250–750 words) for MFA Fashion Design
• Portfolio via SlideRoom:
  • 10-page visual thesis representation + 15–20 page work samples (each PDF ≤ 10 MB) for Parsons & FIT

Step 3: Submit Portfolio & Recorded Interview

Most programs require a digital portfolio and often a recorded video interview. FIT’s process includes a preliminary recorded interview, followed by live interviews upon request.

Step 4: Optional GRE/GMAT

GRE/GMAT is generally optional for fashion design master’s programs. Most institutions, including FIT and Parsons, do not require them.

Step 5: Monitor Application Status

Check your application portal regularly. FIT and Parsons often notify applicants of recorded interviews or next steps shortly after submission.

Step 6: Attend Live Interview (if requested)

Programs like Parsons, PRATT, and RISD may invite candidates for live portfolio reviews or interviews. These conversations gauge motivation, clarity of vision, and fit.

Step 7: Receive & Accept Offer

Once accepted, you’ll receive an offer letter (often with scholarship details). Review and respond according to the deadline provided by the university. 

Step 8: Apply for an F‑1 Student Visa

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

Let's now explore the course structure and specialization options available for Fashion Designing courses in USA.

Fashion Designing Courses in USA: Course Details & Specialization

Fashion Design is a rapidly growing field in the USA, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15% growth in fashion-related jobs by 2030. These courses combine creativity with practical skills, preparing students for diverse roles in design, merchandising, and sustainable fashion.

Below is an overview of the Fashion Design programs at leading U.S. institutions, highlighting their course structures and notable specializations:

Let us now explore the cost of pursuing Fashion Designing courses in USA, including tuition fees and living expenses.

Cost of Pursuing Fashion Design Courses in USA

The cost of living in the USA encompasses significant living and educational expenses. For example, Stanford GSB estimates the total annual cost of attendance for a single student at USD 130,746 (approximately INR 10.9 crore) annually, which covers tuition, housing, health, and personal expenses. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the average monthly cost of studying in the USA for Indian students that you should include in your budget:

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

Now that you know the monthly costs of studying in the USA, it’s time to explore how you can reduce this burden with scholarships during your fashion courses in US Universities.

Scholarships for pursuing Fashion Designing Courses in the USA

Obtaining scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden of fashion design courses in USA. There are many fully funded scholarship opportunities, both merit- and need-based, available through top-tier schools and organizations. All details are sourced from official university sites, QS/US News, or credible affiliated resources.

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

Internal Scholarships

A master’s or undergraduate degree in Fashion Design in the U.S. is a significant investment, but internal scholarships at top schools can substantially ease the cost burden. 

For instance, the University of Chicago Booth offers merit-based scholarships. Awards include Distinguished Fellows (full), Harper (USD 25K / INR 20.75L), and Carlton (USD 15K / INR 12.45L).

Here’s a comparison of top internal  scholarships to study at USA universities:

Let us now explore the external scholarships that can help ease the financial burden of studying Fashion Design in the USA.

External Scholarships

Financing a fashion design education in the United States can be significantly eased with external scholarships, many of which provide full tuition and living stipends. The Fulbright Scholarship supports around 4,000 international graduate students annually, covering tuition, living, travel, and insurance.

Below is a table summarizing notable external scholarships available for fashion design students:

Let us now explore the job opportunities available after completing Fashion Design courses in USA.

Job Opportunities After Fashion Designing Courses in the USA

The U.S. fashion industry is a dynamic and lucrative field, offering diverse career paths for graduates of fashion design programs. The United States Apparel market generated approximately USD 351.40 billion (INR 29.3L Cr) in revenue, highlighting the sector's significance in the global economy. The U.S. hosts over 500,000 businesses that frequently recruit fashion graduates for the most in-demand jobs in the USA. 

Here's an overview of top career options in fashion design, along with average salary insights:

Source: Glassdoor

These roles span various facets of the fashion industry, from creative design to strategic management, each offering unique opportunities for growth and specialization.

Let us now explore the top recruiters hiring Fashion Design graduates in the USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Fashion Design Graduates in the USA

The U.S. fashion industry is a dynamic and lucrative field, offering diverse career paths for graduates of fashion design programs. With major fashion hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, opportunities abound in various roles. 

Here are some leading companies hiring fashion design professionals:

Source: Glassdoor

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

These roles span various facets of the fashion industry, from creative design to strategic management, each offering unique opportunities for growth and specialization. 

Now, let’s see how upGrad can support you in pursuing Fashion Design in the USA.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Fashion Designing in the USA?

A degree in Fashion Design in the United States can be both exciting and challenging. The application process, visa requirements, and financial planning can be overwhelming. upGrad simplifies this journey by offering comprehensive support.

upGrad provides personalized mentorship, visa and scholarship assistance, English test preparation, and career counseling. With upGrad’s guidance, you can confidently get the complexities of studying abroad and step on a successful career in fashion design.

Looking to pursue Fashion Design courses in USA? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts to explore top fashion programs and universities tailored to your creative goals.