22 Best Fashion Schools in New York

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The world of fashion is not only about fabulous clothing and stunning runway shows; it’s also about education and aiding the next generation of creative minds.

These best fashion schools in New York typically offer a diverse range of programs, including but not limited to fashion design, fashion merchandising, fashion marketing, fashion management, textile design, and fashion communication.

What is Fashion Design?

Fashion design involves the creation of apparel, accessories, and shoes, with a focus on creating attire that is worn and influenced by trends.

Designers must be aware of various components of fashion design, including ideation, sketching, finalizing designs, overseeing production, and marketing garments. They must also understand garment construction, fit, trends, and marketing tactics.

Types of Fashion Design Degrees

Some of the qualifications that will set you on a path to become a fashion designer include:

  • Fashion design and development
  • Fashion management
  • Fashion design and technology
  • Fashion Textile
  • Fashion marketing
  • Fashion tailoring
  • Footwear production and design
  • Creative direction
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Fashion illustration
  • Jewelry design
  • Fashion curation

List of the Best Fashion Schools in New York

Below is a list of the best fashion schools in New York:

22 Best Fashion Schools in New York

1. Columbia University

  • Founded: 1992
  • Location: New York City, New York
  • Ranking: 10th in the United States (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: The Fashion School is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • Financial aid: The Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Columbia University Fashion School is a graduate school of fashion design and business located in New York City.

2. New York University

  • Founded: 1944
  • Location: New York
  • Ranking: New York University is ranked #1 in the United States for undergraduate fashion design programs by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Accreditation: New York University Fashion School is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • Financial aid: New York University offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

New York University is a private, non-profit university located in New York City.

It is one of the leading fashion schools in the world and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, fashion business, and related fields.

3. Fordham University

  • Founded: The program was founded in 1997.
  • Location: New York City.
  • Ranking: The program is ranked #119 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
  • Financial aid: Fordham University offers a variety of financial aid options for students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Business. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fashion industry, with a focus on business, marketing, and management.

4. CUNY Hunter College

  • Founded: 1939
  • Location: Manhattan
  • Ranking: The school is ranked #61 in the US News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges rankings for Best Undergraduate Schools for Design.
  • Accreditation: The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits the school.
  • Financial aid: The school offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The CUNY Hunter College Fashion School is a public fashion school in New York City.

It is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and is the only public fashion school in New York City.

5. New School

  • Founded: 1919
  • Location: New York City, New York
  • Ranking: #16 in Best Fashion Schools in the U.S. (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: The New School’s Fashion School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
  • Financial aid: The New School’s Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The New School’s Fashion School is a private, non-profit institution of higher education located in New York City.

6. CUNY City College

  • Founded: 1969
  • Location: New York City, New York
  • Ranking: #54 in Best Undergraduate Fashion Programs by US News & World Report (2023)
  • Accreditation: The CUNY City College Fashion School is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • Financial aid: The CUNY City College Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The CUNY City College Fashion School is a public fashion school in New York City. It is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

7. Fashion Institute of Technology

  • Founded: 1944
  • Location: New York City, New York
  • Ranking: Ranked as the best fashion school in the world by CEOWORLD magazine in 2020.
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Financial aid: Provides financial aid to eligible students through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

8. Wagner College

  • Founded: 1883
  • Location: Staten Island, New York
  • Ranking: #138 in Regional Universities North (US News & World Report)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Financial aid: Wagner College offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students afford their education. These programs include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.

Wagner College Fashion School is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts college located in Staten Island, New York.

9. CUNY Graduate School and University Center

  • Founded: 1967
  • Location: New York City, NY
  • Ranking: No. 39 in Best Fashion Schools (U.S. News & World Report 2023)
  • Accreditation: The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits the school.
  • Financial aid: The school offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The CUNY Graduate School and University Center Fashion School is a public graduate school of fashion located in New York City. The school offers master’s and doctoral degrees in fashion design, business, and studies.

10. Pace University

  • Founded: 1963
  • Location: New York City, NY
  • Ranking: #17 in Best Undergraduate Fashion Schools in America (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: The Pace University Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

The Pace University Fashion School is a private, non-profit university located in New York City.

The undergraduate program in fashion design is a 4-year program that prepares students for careers in fashion design, fashion illustration, and fashion merchandising.

11. CUNY Brooklyn College

  • Founded: 1937
  • Location: Brooklyn, New York City
  • Ranking: #121 in Best Undergraduate Fashion Programs by U.S. News & World Report
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: The CUNY Brooklyn College Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The CUNY Brooklyn College Fashion School is a public institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, fashion marketing, and fashion merchandising.

12. King’s College

  • Founded: 1968
  • Location: New York City, NY.
  • Ranking: No. 11 in Best Undergraduate Fashion Schools in America by Fashionista.
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: King’s College offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

King’s College Fashion School is a private, for-profit fashion school in New York City.

13. CUNY Queens College

  • Founded: 1937
  • Location: Flushing, Queens, New York
  • Ranking: #94 Best Undergraduate Fashion Schools in the United States (U.S. News & World Report)
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: CUNY Queens College offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

The CUNY Queens College Fashion School is a public university located in Flushing, Queens, New York.

14. Barnard College

  • Founded: 1982
  • Location: New York City.
  • Ranking: The Barnard College Fashion School is ranked #10 in the United States by Fashionista.
  • Accreditation: The Barnard College Fashion School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
  • Financial aid: The Barnard College Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Barnard College Fashion School is a liberal arts program that offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Studies.

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fashion industry, and it offers a variety of courses in fashion history, design, business, and marketing.

15. St John’s University – New York

  • Founded: 1870
  • Location: Queens, New York
  • Ranking: Fashion design; #44 (QS World University Rankings)
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: St. John’s University offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

St. John’s University is a private, Catholic university located in Queens, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has over 25,000 students.

16. Yeshiva University

  • Founded: 1924
  • Location: New York City, New York
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: Yeshiva University offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The Yeshiva University Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a private, non-profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fashion design, fashion business, and textile design.

Here are some additional details about the school:

  • The FIT is part of Yeshiva University, a private university with a Jewish heritage.
  • The school offers a wide range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in fashion design, fashion business, and textile design.
  • The FIT is known for its strong academics and its connections to the fashion industry.

17. Lehman College, CUNY

  • Founded: 1968
  • Location: Bronx, New York City
  • Ranking: #153 in Best Colleges for Design (US News & World Report)
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: Lehman College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Lehman College is a public college located in the Bronx, New York City. It is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

18. The High School of Fashion Industries

  • Founded: 1926
  • Location: New York City, New York
  • Ranking: #107 in New York High Schools.
  • Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Financial aid: Offers financial aid to eligible students through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

19. School of Visual Arts

  • Founded: 1920
  • Location: New York City, NY
  • Ranking: #13 in Best Art Schools (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: SVA offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

The School of Visual Arts (SVA) is a private, nonprofit art school located in New York City. It was founded in 1920 and is one of the most prestigious art schools in the world.

20. College of Staten Island CUNY

  • Founded: 1954
  • Location: Staten Island, New York
  • Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
  • Financial aid: The College of Staten Island CUNY Fashion School offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

The College of Staten Island CUNY Fashion School is a public college located in Staten Island, New York.

21. Pratt Institute – Main

  • Founded: 1887
  • Location: Brooklyn, New York City
  • Ranking: #19 Best Art Schools in the United States (U.S. News & World Report)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Financial aid: Pratt offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Pratt Institute is a private, non-profit college of art, design, architecture, and liberal arts in Brooklyn, New York City.

22. Manhattan College

  • Founded: 1853
  • Location: Riverdale, Bronx, New York
  • Ranking: #371 National Universities (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Financial aid: Manhattan College offers a variety of financial aid options to students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Manhattan College is a private, Catholic college in Riverdale, Bronx, New York. It was founded in 1853 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, including fashion design.

FAQs on the Best Fashion Schools in New York

Can international students apply to these schools?

Yes, international students are encouraged to apply to these fashion schools. Many of these institutions have dedicated admissions processes and support services tailored to international applicants.

Are there scholarships available for students attending these fashion schools?

Yes, most of these fashion schools offer scholarships and financial aid to eligible students. The availability and criteria for scholarships may vary, so prospective students should check with each school's financial aid office.

Do these schools have industry connections and internship opportunities?

Yes, these schools often have strong industry connections and regularly facilitate internships and collaborations with fashion companies, designers, and brands. This provides students with valuable real-world experience.

Are there opportunities for students to showcase their work in fashion shows or exhibitions?

Yes, several of these schools host fashion shows, exhibitions, and events where students can display their creative work to industry professionals, peers, and the public, providing a platform to gain recognition.

Conclusion

Lest we forget, many of these schools aim to maintain smaller class sizes to ensure more personalized attention for students.

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