By Danielle Smyth Updated December 21, 2021
Think you could make a career for yourself as a fashion designer? You will want to know about the best fashion schools to attend and how long it takes to get a degree. Fashion design is a very competitive field because it is creative, high-profile and glamorous; only the strongest can survive, earn stellar reputations and build rewarding careers. Does this sound like you?
Fashion Designer Schools
Writers for industry websites like Fashion Schools rank the country's best fashion designer schools. At the top of theirs and many others' 2020 lists is the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York (SUNY) school system. Its 9,000 students pursue different degree levels, including AAS, BFA, BS, MA and MPS. There are also one- and two-year options, plus credit and non-credit certificates. Their fashion designer subjects and programs include knitwear, fabric styling, textile development, sportswear, jewelry design, patternmaking and more.
Also in New York City, the New School's Parsons School of Design has more than 10,000 students and 138 degree programs. Fashion designer subjects here include drawing, textiles, sustainable design, accessories design, textiles and fashion history. Number three on this list is Georgia's Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which is even bigger with 11,000 students. It offers 40 undergraduate degrees plus 61 graduate degree programs. They also have campuses in Atlanta and Lacoste, France.
Fashion Designer Course: How Many Years?
A fashion designer's associate degree takes two years, and a bachelor's usually takes four years to complete. Earning a master's degree in the field will take two more years of your time. You can earn a fashion design associate degree at FIT in just two years. According to the writers at Learn.org, you could spend four years earning a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Professional Studies (with a major in fashion design, design or production) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Top fashion schools like this are not inexpensive but may not be as costly as you think. The writers at FIT provide a tuition rates webpage that shows that NY residents pay $2,645 per semester for associate degrees while out-of-state students pay $7,935 per semester. Baccalaureate- and graduate-level degrees are higher. Keep in mind that these top schools can be very competitive to get into, and there's no guarantee your application will be accepted.
You could end up spending well over $30,000 for an associate degree at one of the top fashion design schools. Another option is to pursue an online degree from a less expensive school that offers these degrees. The team at OnlineU writes that the 2021 annual tuition at Southern New Hampshire University Online is $9,600 annually, and Old Dominion University is also more affordable at $12,120 per year. Central Michigan University comes in at $13,454, and Johnson & Wales University-Online is $14,850.
Getting into the Fashion Business
Many fashion schools offer students internship opportunities, which is an important feature to look for when considering schools. The writers at Fashion.net advise fashion students to take business courses while in school because the business climate has become "more corporate-driven." During and after graduation, it is also a good idea to regularly read trade publications like "Women's Wear Daily."
While in fashion school, you will be building a portfolio of work that you can share with prospective employers. Remember, you will not be hired as a head fashion designer straight out of school. It is better to accept an entry-level position at a respected fashion company to get your foot in the door. You can work your way up by taking on any assignments handed to you and showing initiative to do much more.
FAQs
Plan to get at least a bachelor's degree, and if you feel like you need a master's degree to acquire the right skills and get you enough connections, plan on another 2-3 years.
How long does it take to become a fashion designer? ›
How Many Years Does It Take to Be a Fashion Designer? About four years. Most fashion designers hold a bachelor's degree. During a fashion design program, students study textiles, fashion history, and fashion merchandising.
How to become a fashion designer at 13? ›
How to Become a Fashion Designer at a Young Age
- Get the gear you'll need for designing with. ...
- Read widely about fashion. ...
- Improve your drawing and design skills. ...
- Learn to sew. ...
- Knowing how to read, use and design patterns is an essential part of being a good fashion designer. ...
- Learn all that you can about fabrics.
Fashion designers often work long hours. They need the technical skills to get the job done, and they must stay on top of – or ahead of – trends. “As you know, in fashion, one day you're in. And the next day you're out,” says Heidi Klum, model and former host of the reality TV show “Project Runway.”
What is the average age of a fashion designer? ›
The workforce of Fashion designers in 2021 was 25,721 people, with 84.2% woman, and 15.8% men. The average age of male Fashion designers in the workforce is 40.8 and of female Fashion designers is 37.1, and the most common race/ethnicity for Fashion designers is White.
How many years does it take to learn fashion? ›
Most formal fashion design programs take 2-4 years to complete, but your formal education as a designer may last longer if you decide to work while you study.
How old is the youngest designer? ›
Vidhi Karva is currently the youngest fashion designer in the world as she was born in 2011.
Does fashion have age limit? ›
Good Fashion Has No Age Limit.
Can a 12 year old be a graphic designer? ›
Yes, of course a kid can be a graphic designer! Graphic designers draw inspiration in many different ways - from real life experiences to how they view the world around them.
Do fashion designers make money? ›
After a few years you can move up to mid-level fashion design jobs, and earn a little under $70,000/year on average. Once you've been working in fashion design for about 7 years, you can usually qualify for senior designer jobs, which pay approximately $87,000/year.
If design is your dream career, it is worth investing in a fashion school. Because you won't learn anywhere else about sketching, pattern making, or garment development.
Is it fun to be a fashion designer? ›
As a result, fashion designing is a really exciting career since it constantly entails having fun and having a creative mind while coming up with a new product, style, or design.
Is 25 too old to be a fashion model? ›
Anyone can be a model, no matter how old they are! If you're interested in being a model but worried about getting a gig because of your age - don't worry! Look into the type of modeling you want to do, and work on catering to that style!
What age are fashion models? ›
Fashion models have very particular age, height, and measurement standards. The typical age is 16-21. Models can be younger than this, but many agencies will require models to be at least 16. Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful.
Do fashion designers get paid well? ›
After a few years you can move up to mid-level fashion design jobs, and earn a little under $70,000/year on average. Once you've been working in fashion design for about 7 years, you can usually qualify for senior designer jobs, which pay approximately $87,000/year.
Is fashion design a good career? ›
Fashion design is a growing industry that offers ample opportunities for growth and advancement. 4. Fashion design is a highly marketable field that can lead to a lucrative career.
What qualifications do I need to be a fashion designer? ›
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree. Courses are widely available and include: fashion design. art and design.
What education is needed to be a fashion designer? ›
Fashion designers typically have a bachelor's degree in a fine arts or business field such as fashion design or fashion merchandising. These fashion-focused programs teach students about textiles and fabrics and how to use computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
