School and Ranking Info
In the Philadelphia, PA, area, aspiring fashionistas can choose from among five private schools that offer programs in fashion design. The top ranked school is not only the largest school on the list, but also a national university with accredited fashion design programs that include competitive design shows, internships and study abroad opportunities.
- Winner: Drexel University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design. The school is well known for its extensive cooperative education program, which provides students with the chance to acquire paid, professional experience in their fields.
School Info Chart
| Category | Drexel University |
|---|---|
| Rankings | #105 among National Universities (2020); #109 in Best Value Schools (2022)* |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| School Type | 4-year, private not-for-profit |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) | Undergraduate: $57,136** |
| Fashion Design Degrees Offered | Bachelor's and master's |
| Fashion Design Degrees Awarded (all levels) in 2020-2021 | 29** |
| Most Popular Fashion Design Degree Level in 2020-2021 | Bachelor's (22 awarded)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 entering class | 78%** |
| Noteworthy | Undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design have been approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) |
Sources: *U.S. News & World Report; **NCES College Navigator.
Drexel University
- Six-month cooperative work experience for fashion design majors
- Study abroad option at the London College of Fashion for sophomores
- Annual student fashion shows
- Students have the opportunity to participate in national and international competitions
Established in 1891, Drexel University enrolls over 24,000 students each year and offers around 200 degree programs through 15 schools and colleges, including the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. In 2019, the college's fashion design program was named one of the top 25 fashion schools in the world by Fashionista.
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design program acquire the practical skills necessary to create a garment from scratch, including couture and ready-to-wear garments for adults and children. Course topics include studies in computer-aided and technical design, manufacturing and presentation. The 63-credit Master of Science in Fashion Design program is a full-time course of study that welcomes students who have undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields. Requirements include a 4-course sequence in fashion design and topics in CAD, draping and tailoring; graduate students must also develop a portfolio and take a comprehensive exam.
