Parsons School of Design has been ranked the top fashion school in the world for 2024 by CEOWORLD magazine. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and London College of Fashion secured the second and third positions, respectively. Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design took the fourth spot, followed by ESMOD and Polimoda in fifth and sixth place.
The prestigious Royal College of Art was ranked seventh. Rounding out the top ten are Central Saint Martins, the Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Borås, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi, holding the eighth, ninth, and tenth positions respectively.
A comprehensive table ranking the top 124 fashion schools globally provides a detailed overview of each institution’s performance. Institutions were evaluated based on learning and research, alumni network strength, and entrepreneurial spirit. This data allows prospective students to compare schools based on quantifiable metrics alongside overall reputation.
| Rank | Fashion School | Country | Learning and Research Rank | Alumni Network Rank | Entrepreneurship Rank | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parsons School of Design | United States | 96.15 | 96.22 | 96.73 | 96.37 |
| 2 | Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) | United States | 96.07 | 95.88 | 96.53 | 96.16 |
| 3 | London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London | United Kingdom | 95.6 | 95.83 | 96.35 | 95.93 |
| 4 | Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design | United States | 93.81 | 95.17 | 96.23 | 95.07 |
| 5 | ESMOD (École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode) | France | 93.17 | 95.08 | 94.66 | 94.3 |
| 6 | Polimoda (Ente per le Arti applicate alla Moda e al Costume) | Italy | 92.77 | 94.29 | 94.44 | 93.83 |
| 7 | Royal College of Art | United Kingdom | 91.69 | 94.19 | 92.53 | 92.8 |
| 8 | Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London | United Kingdom | 91.61 | 93.45 | 92.35 | 92.47 |
| 9 | Swedish School of Textiles – University of Borås | Sweden | 91.54 | 93.36 | 92.33 | 92.41 |
| 10 | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) | India | 91 | 92.78 | 91.72 | 91.83 |
CEOWORLD magazine employed a rigorous methodology to compile these rankings. Their survey encompassed 286,000 individuals, including fashion executives, graduates, influencers, professionals, academics, employers, and recruiters across 1600 territories. Data collection occurred between November 15, 2023, and February 22, 2024, utilizing telephone, online, and postal methods.
The final rankings were derived from seven key performance indicators: perceived global brand influence, recruiter responses, employer feedback, job placement rate, admission eligibility, specialization offerings, and overall academic reputation. Each metric contributed to a comprehensive score reflecting the institution’s overall quality.
While this list showcases leading institutions, it’s crucial to remember that many other excellent fashion programs exist globally. Prospective students should conduct thorough research, considering factors beyond rankings, to determine the best fit for their individual aspirations and career goals. Factors such as curriculum, faculty expertise, industry connections, and learning environment should be carefully evaluated. Choosing a fashion school is a significant decision, and a holistic approach ensures the optimal educational experience.
