10 Best Fashion Schools in USA With Scholarship

If you have a passion for fashion, explore our fantastic compilation of top fashion schools in USA with scholarships to support your aspirations.

Whether you’re considering a fashion school or pursuing a fashion major at a four-year university, we have outlined the Top Fashion Schools in the USA with scholarships tailored for you.

Scholarships, often referred to as gift aid, offer free money that doesn’t require repayment. Typically based on merit, these scholarships consider factors like academic achievements, athletic prowess, or community involvement. 

They can be provided by the government, educational institutions, or private organizations. It’s crucial to research various scholarship options, apply to those aligning with your qualifications, and meet specified deadlines.

Fashion evolves constantly, presenting new demands and creative opportunities. If you have a passion for fashion trends, elevate it by pursuing education in the field. 

Top fashion houses and global universities offer valuable scholarships for various study levels, from undergraduate to master’s fellowship programs. 

Fashion scholarships have gained popularity, providing a pathway for individuals aspiring to enter the fashion industry. 

When seeking a fashion degree, consider opting for a scholarship to cover educational expenses.  Each scholarship comes with specific eligibility criteria, so carefully review the requirements before applying.

To apply, you typically need to complete an application form and showcase your creative work through images. 

While emphasizing your creative talents is crucial, many scholarship programs may also require personal essays and motivational letters. 

If needed, you can enlist professional assistance for written components, allowing you to focus on showcasing your creative endeavors.

Explore the dynamic world of fashion with this range of scholarships, and discover a variety of awards that match your specific requirements.

Top Fashion Schools in the USA with Scholarship

  • The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Scholarship Fund 
  • The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Scholarships 
  • The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Scholarships 
  • The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Scholarships 
  • Dream in Color 
  • FSF Case Study Scholarship Competition
  • The Joe Goldstein Memorial Scholarship in Fashion and Retailing 
  • CSA Stella Blum Student Research Grant fashion scholarship 
  • Gucci Changemakers North America Fashion Scholarship 

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Scholarship Fund 

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Scholarship Fund offers a substantial financial range, from $25,000 to $50,000.  

To be eligible, applicants must be undergraduate juniors or first-year graduate students enrolled in a fashion design program at a US college or university. 

The scholarship aims to nurture the growth of future American fashion designers, emphasizing inclusivity, justice, and sustainability. 

Over the years, the fund has awarded approximately $3.3 million in 352 scholarships, focusing on holistic criteria such as financial need, creativity, innovation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in fashion. 

Applicants are required to create a brief, including a self-portrait, a collection of sketches or images, and a short video prompt that explores aspects like new materials, functionality, textiles, digital or tech craft, sizing, or image.

  • Visit the Website: https://cfda.com/education/cfdascholarshipfund

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Scholarships 

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides scholarships ranging from $1,250 to $6,070, with an open date already initiated and a deadline set for March 17, 2023. 

FIT extends diverse scholarship opportunities to students pursuing degrees in fashion design or related fields. 

The available scholarships include the PVH Corporation Scholarship, Ralph Lauren Corporation Scholarship, Jacqueline and Russell Pomeranz ITM Scholarship, New Times Group ITM Scholarship Fund, and Gemini Shippers Association Scholarship.

  • Visit the Website: https://www.fitnyc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/business-and-technology/itm/current/scholarships.php

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Scholarships 

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides scholarships ranging from $100 to $10,000, with varying open dates and deadlines. 

RISD extends scholarships to students pursuing degrees in fashion design or related fields, including those based on financial needs that require submission through FAFSA. 

Veterans can explore the Yellow Ribbon Program, and students are encouraged to engage in competitions like YoungArts and Scholastic for special scholarships recognizing outstanding academic achievements. 

Additionally, RISD maintains a strong connection with Scholarship Universe, offering further opportunities to secure funds from various organizations and financial aid sources.

  • Visit the Website: https://www.risd.edu/student-financial-services/undergraduate-aid

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Scholarships 

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) provides scholarships starting from $1,500 per year, with varying open dates and deadlines. 

SCAD offers a diverse range of scholarships for those interested in fashion design, including the FAFSA scholarship and other opportunities accessible to both U.S. and non-U.S. residents. 

Inclusive students can explore specific opportunities, and SCAD accepts external financial support. Graduates can engage in the SCAD Challenge, available for undergraduates, graduates, and transfer students, involving the submission of an application form and creative work relevant to the chosen category. 

U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens seeking federal aid can apply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using SCAD’s Federal School Code (015022) to determine eligibility. 

It’s important to note that students must be accepted to SCAD before receiving aid. Amount of award: from $2,000 to $4,000

  • Visit the Website: https://www.scad.edu/admission/financial-aid-and-scholarships/scholarships

Dream in Color 

The Dream in Color grant offers two $5,000 grants to women of color contributing to their communities. 

One grant targets undergraduate students pursuing a creative career (art, advertising, music, tech, or fashion), while the other is for women working on projects that promote diversity and inclusion. 

Eligibility criteria include self-identifying as a woman of color, current enrollment in a U.S.-based undergraduate program related to a creative field or involvement in a creative diversity project, and demonstrating financial need.

You need to be an undergraduate student, be located in the US, and have proven financial support. 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.womenwhocreate.org/grant-application

FSF Case Study Scholarship Competition

The annual FSF Case Study Scholarship, a flagship program, presents a yearly challenge to fashion students, addressing real industry issues. 

Regardless of one’s sector of interest within the industry, the scholarship welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. 

Benefits of applying include scholarship funds for educational expenses, access to the FSF Mentor Program, an invitation to the FSF Awards Gala in New York City, internships, job opportunities, and alumni perks. 

Eligibility requirements include a recommended GPA of 3.20 within the student’s major, full-time sophomore, junior, or senior status (graduating Spring 2024) at an FSF member school, and the necessity for international students with an F-1 Visa to submit CPT or OPT by the submission deadline. 

  • Visit the Website: https://www.fashionscholarshipfund.org/fsf-case-study-scholarship

The Joe Goldstein Memorial Scholarship in Fashion and Retailing 

The Joe Goldstein Memorial Scholarship in Fashion and Retailing, established in memory of Joe Goldstein, honors his lifelong dedication to the Jewish Community Center of Dallas and the promotion of higher education. 

This scholarship, endowed by Joe Goldstein’s family, grants preference to third and fourth-year undergraduate students majoring in fashion merchandising and retailing at accredited colleges with an Award Amount of $5,478. 

Consideration is given to both financial need and academic merit, with one scholarship of $1,200 awarded. Eligibility extends to Jewish and non-Jewish students.

Areas of involvement, such as cultural/religious studies, camps, trips, retreats, organizations, community/civic activities, and school-related activities, are considered. 

The scholarship is needs-based and available for college juniors and seniors. The sponsoring organization is the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation

  • Visit the Website: https://djcf.org/college-sholarships/joe-goldstein-memorial-scholarship-in-fashion-and-retailing/

CSA Stella Blum Student Research Grant fashion scholarship 

The CSA Stella Blum Student Research Grant is designed to support the research endeavors of current undergraduate or graduate students who are members of the Costume Society of America, and engaged in original research within the realm of North American costume. 

This annual $3,000 grant, funded by the CSA Endowment, aims to provide financial assistance for research-related expenses. Additionally, recipients may receive an extra stipend of up to $600 and have their day-of-presentation registration fee covered, allowing them to present their completed research at a CSA National Symposium. 

The expectation is for the recipient to prepare an article for review and subsequent publication in the CSA journal Dress, with the faculty advisor, when applicable, listed as a second author.

Established in 1987, the grant pays homage to Stella Blum (1916-1985), a distinguished costume curator, educator, writer, scholar, and founding member and Fellow of the Costume Society of America. 

Affiliated with The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute since 1940, she became its inaugural curator in 1970 and played a crucial role in advancing the serious study of costume.

To be eligible, applicants must be CSA members in good standing, currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited institution, and propose a research project in the field of North American costume. 

Allowable expenses covered by the grant encompass transportation, living expenses at a research site, and various research-related supplies and services.

  • Visit the Website: https://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/csa-stella-blum-student-research-grant

Gucci Changemakers North America Fashion Scholarship 

Gucci Changemakers North America, initiated in March 2019, focuses on enhancing inclusion and diversity in the fashion industry and communities. 

The program consists of a US$ 5 million Impact Fund for non-profits and a US$ 1.5 million scholarship program. The scholarship aids undergraduates with financial needs pursuing careers in fashion and creative industries, emphasizing diversity. 

The Impact Fund supports community-based organizations in selected cities. Gucci Changemakers has backed over 50 students and 40 organizations, investing $4.7 million. 

The global program, launched in 2019, includes employee volunteering, the North America Impact Fund, and the North America Scholarship Program. 

Gucci Changemakers North America, launched in March 2019, stands as a social impact initiative committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry and various communities. 

The program encompasses a US$ 5 million Impact Fund for non-profit organizations and a US$ 1.5 million scholarship program. The scholarship is designed to financially assist undergraduate students with a passion for the fashion and creative industries, particularly those from diverse backgrounds or attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

  • Visit the Website: https://equilibrium.gucci.com/gucci-changemakers-north-america-scholarship-programs

Tips for Securing Fashion Scholarships

Securing a fashion scholarship begins with a well-crafted scholarship application. Although each application may have unique requirements, common elements include transcripts, essays, resumes, and recommendations. 

For scholarships targeting students with artistic talents, such as fashion, applicants may need to submit a portfolio showcasing their work.

  • Explore helpful resources to enhance your fashion scholarship applications: Nonprofit organizations like the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are dedicated to supporting and educating aspiring designers, particularly during their college journeys. CFDA provides various awards, including scholarships, mentorships, and opportunities for exposure. 
  • Get Engaged in Non-Profit Fashion Events: Participate in nonprofit and charity events within the fashion industry to bolster your resume. Even if securing an internship is challenging, volunteering your time can be valuable.
  • Enroll in Platform Crash Courses: Embrace the digital shift in the fashion industry by taking advantage of platform crash courses. Several platforms offer courses to help you acquire essential skills, and some, provide tools to enhance your projects visually (Platforms like Adobe)

FAQs

  • Which country is perfect for studying fashion design?

Some of the leading countries for pursuing fashion design studies are the United Kingdom, Italy, France, the U.S., China, and Spain. However, the key factor is not just the country but the specific school you choose. Before selecting a fashion design school, it is advisable to assess the school’s reputation and explore other information as well. 

  • Which colleges offer top-notch fashion design programs?

While this list does not encompass all exceptional fashion schools, some of the standout ones include Parsons School of Design, The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, and Politecnico di Milano. For a more comprehensive list, refer to [organization’s resources].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the list of fashion scholarships available can be an excellent resource for individuals seeking to pursue a degree in the fashion industry. 

Choose the opportunities you can fit into, fill in the application form, and keep up with the deadline. We wish you all the best of luck and hope that you will be able to realize your dreams in the world of fashion. 

Follow your passion and stay up to date with current fashion trends and the fashion industry.

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