Why This Matters
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24% OF FASHION DESIGNERS HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Considering that 61% of fashion designers have an associate degree or no college degree at all, getting a bachelor’s degree will help you stand out in the job market.
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27,000 FASHION DESIGNER JOBS BY 2029
Although the job outlook for fashion designers is expected to decline, there are still plenty of opportunities for employment. It is projected that there will be 27,000 fashion designer jobs available by 2029.
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EARN $75,810 PER YEAR WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
The median annual wage for fashion designers in 2020 was $75,810 per year. These high-earning positions typically expect candidates to have a bachelor’s degree.
Our Research
This list reviews some of the best bachelor’s in fashion programs in the United States. Most of these institutions grant students a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Business or Fashion Merchandising, but some offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts instead.
For this list, we focused solely on accredited institutions. The quality of each of these programs is confirmed by regional accreditors such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which measures academic value, integrity, and improvement. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- 64 hours to write this article
- 44 universities and colleges we assessed
- 84 education programs we compared
The Top 11 Online Bachelor's in Fashion Programs
Institution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Central Michigan University
Intelligent Score: 97.1In-state: $12,296
Out-of-state: $22,881
In-state: $14,223
Out-of-state: $14,223
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$417 - $434 per credit
Online, On-campus
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
120 credits
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 94.86In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$320 per credit
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120 credits
Johnson & Wales University
Intelligent Score: 94.14In-state: $34,376
Out-of-state: $34,376
In-state: $14,148
Out-of-state: $14,148
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$495 per credit
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
121 credits
LIM College
Intelligent Score: 90.57In-state: $52,835
Out-of-state: $52,835
In-state: $61,900
Out-of-state: $61,900
SAT: 970-1150
ACT: 18-23
$580 per credit
Online, On-campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
124 credits
Lindenwood University
Intelligent Score: 90.51In-state: $18,000
Out-of-state: $18,000
In-state: $9,450
Out-of-state: $9,450
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$450 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Fashion Institute of Technology
Intelligent Score: 86.87In-state: $7,170
Out-of-state: $21,692
In-state: $11,542
Out-of-state: $11,542
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State? $478 per credit
Out-of-State? $1,446 per credit
Online
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
120-126 credits
Old Dominion University
Intelligent Score: 82.86In-state: $7,029
Out-of-state: $26,664
In-state: $10,207
Out-of-state: $10,207
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 18-25
Resident? $360 per credit
Non-Resident? $407 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
North Coast College
Intelligent Score: 82.83In-state: $22,040
Out-of-state: $22,040
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$700 per credit
Online
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
180 credits
Berkeley College
Intelligent Score: 81.49In-state: $50,152
Out-of-state: $50,152
In-state: $40,975
Out-of-state: $40,975
SAT: 1290-1530
ACT: 27-35
$843 per credit
Online, On-campus
International Accreditation Council for Business Education
120 credits
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Intelligent Score: 78.12In-state: $46,522
Out-of-state: $46,522
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 990-1160
ACT: 18-24
$544 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
123 credits
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 74.56In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$390 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
What You Should Know About This Degree
It’s important to distinguish between fashion design and design in general. While both programs teach students about artwork, colors, and patterns, they express their knowledge through different means. Design students work with a broad range of materials, such as packages and interior rooms, while fashion students focus on elements such as clothing, hair, and footwear.
Students should look for an institution that is accredited by a reputable regional organization. For example, students pursuing higher education in the New England region should select a school that is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Because the fashion sphere is generally competitive, the job outlook is currently on a decline. It is projected that, from 2019 to 2029, the available number of jobs will drop from 28,300 to 27,000. This represents a 4% drop in employment.
There are no required licenses or certifications to work in fashion, but most high-end employers will expect candidates to have a degree.
If you are passionate about fashion photography, you should consider online photography degree programs, as this may be a better fit for your personal interests and professional goals.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in fashion programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Many bachelor’s in fashion programs will accept high school graduates who have a good academic standing and an interest in fashion. However, some programs may require students to submit a portfolio and pass design and sewing tests.
- What licensing or certifications are required? Beyond getting your bachelor’s degree, there are no official licenses or certifications required to work in the fashion industry. However, if you create your own clothing line and intend to sell your items, you’ll need a Seller’s License and Certificate of Authority.
While researching programs, keep track of any application deadlines or required submission materials. This information can usually be found by visiting the school’s website or contacting their admissions department.
Another factor to consider is how to finance your degree. Take the time to research different scholarships, assistantships, and tuition benefits, and be sure to submit applications on time.