In today’s highly competitive and fast-paced fashion industry, having a degree from a top-ranked fashion business school can make all the difference in launching a successful career. Fashion business schools provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the industry, including marketing, branding, merchandising, and sustainability. However, with so many fashion business programs available in the United States, it can be challenging to determine which schools provide the best education and opportunities. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate ranking of fashion business schools in the US. Using a rigorous set of criteria and data from reliable sources, we’ve ranked the top 10 fashion business schools, providing detailed descriptions of each school’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ve also included honorable mentions of other notable fashion business schools, and have clarified any limitations of the data used in our ranking. By reading our article, aspiring fashion business students can make informed decisions about where to pursue their education and take the first step towards a successful career in the fashion industry.
Methodology
To rank the fashion business schools, we used a rigorous set of criteria that included academic excellence, industry reputation, graduate outcomes, diversity and inclusion, and affordability. We sourced data from reliable sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report, and PayScale. We also considered the schools’ program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition costs.
Top 10 Fashion Business Schools in the US
1. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
The Fashion Institute of Technology, located in New York City, offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. FIT is known for its strong industry connections, offering students numerous opportunities for internships and networking. The school’s location in the heart of New York City provides students with unparalleled access to the fashion industry’s top companies and professionals. FIT’s graduates have gone on to work for leading fashion companies, including Chanel, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren.
2. Parsons School of Design
Located in New York City, Parsons School of Design offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Parsons is known for its rigorous coursework and strong industry connections. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for top fashion companies, including Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, and Tommy Hilfiger.
3. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Savannah College of Art and Design, located in Savannah, Georgia, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry, and students are encouraged to develop their own unique design aesthetics. SCAD is known for its strong industry partnerships and global network of alumni. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for leading fashion companies, including Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
4. Kent State University
Located in Kent, Ohio, Kent State University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Kent State is known for its innovative programs, including a Fashion/Tech Hackathon and the Fashion School Store, which allows students to gain real-world retail experience. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for top fashion companies, including Gap, Nordstrom, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
5. Drexel University
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum focuses on the business and technical aspects of the fashion industry, including fashion merchandising and fashion design. Drexel is known for its strong industry connections, offering students numerous opportunities for internships and networking. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for leading fashion companies, including Michael Kors, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.
6. Academy of Art University
Located in San Francisco, California, the Academy of Art University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. The Academy of Art is known for its diverse student body and global network of alumni. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for top fashion companies, including Alexander Wang.
7. Fashion Business School at Columbia College Chicago
The Fashion Business School at Columbia College Chicago offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the business and management aspects of the fashion industry, including fashion merchandising and fashion management. The Fashion Business School at Columbia College Chicago is known for its strong industry connections and numerous opportunities for internships and networking. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for leading fashion companies, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s.
8. LIM College
Located in New York City, LIM College offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of real-world experience and offers numerous opportunities for internships and networking. LIM College is known for its strong industry connections and extensive alumni network. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for top fashion companies, including Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Tory Burch.
9. California College of the Arts (CCA)
Located in San Francisco, California, the California College of the Arts offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the intersection of fashion, art, and technology, and encourages students to develop their own unique design aesthetics. CCA is known for its diverse student body and global network of alumni. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for leading fashion companies, including Nike, Levi’s, and Converse.
10. Marist College
Located in Poughkeepsie, New York, Marist College offers a range of undergraduate programs in fashion business. The school’s curriculum emphasizes the importance of sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Marist College is known for its strong industry connections and numerous opportunities for internships and networking. The school’s graduates have gone on to work for top fashion companies, including Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, and Bloomingdale’s.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable fashion business schools that didn’t make the top 10 but are worth considering include:
- University of Delaware
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of the Arts
- University of North Texas
- Boston University
Limitations
It’s important to note that our ranking is based on the criteria and data we used, and other factors may be important to consider when choosing a fashion business school. Additionally, the ranking may change over time as schools make improvements to their programs and as new data becomes available.
Conclusion
Pursuing a degree in fashion business can be a great way to launch a successful career in the fashion industry. Choosing the right fashion business school is crucial in achieving this goal. Our ultimate ranking of fashion business schools in the US can help aspiring fashion professionals make informed decisions about where to pursue their education. By considering factors such as academic excellence, industry reputation, graduate outcomes, diversity and inclusion, and affordability, aspiring fashion professionals can find the best fashion business school to help them achieve their goals.
My name is Rohit Vagh and I’m a content writer specializing in fashion and lifestyle. I have three years of experience in this field and have written various articles. My writing style is creative and engaging, and I strive to create content that resonates with my readers. I have a deep passion for fashion and am constantly researching the latest trends and styles to make sure my readers are up to date. I’m excited to continue my career in blogging, and I’m always looking for new opportunities in the fashion and lifestyle space.
