Fashion Schools in Ohio

Fashion Schools in Ohio: The Top 3 to Attend

In Fashion Features, Network by Lauren Silver

There are many terrific fashion schools in Ohio that offer a well rounded education with a variety of fashion opportunities. The average cost of tuition for these fashion schools in Ohio is $17,472. Compared to a University of California (better known as a UC), the tuition for out-of-state students is $43,100. As well, the average tuition for an Ivy League school is over $47,000. Overall, the fashion schools in Columbus, Ohio are much less expensive than other schools. 

The average acceptance rate for fashion schools in Ohio is 78%. The average acceptance rate for a UC ranges from 36% to 66%. Whereas, the average acceptance rate for an Ivy League is less than 7%. The acceptance rates range between schools for the UC’s, Ivy’s, and the schools in Columbus. However, overall the average acceptance rate for a fashion school in Columbus, Ohio is considerably higher than the compared rates of the UC’s and the Ivy’s. 

In Ohio, there are nine fashion schools and according to USA Today, “Columbus, Ohio is one of the most fashionable capitals in the country.” Columbus, Ohio has the third highest concentration of fashion designers in the United States. Therefore, going to fashion school in Ohio will ensure that there are plenty of fashion opportunities. 

The Top Fashion Schools in Ohio

If you are interested in a less expensive school with a wide variety of courses, the University of Akron is the school for you. At this university the cost of tuition is around $8,000 and they offer 27 courses in Fashion Merchandising. This university is perfect if you want a better price but still a great education at a fashion school in Ohio

If you’re in search of a more Art focused school with a variety of majors, the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is the perfect college. At CIA there are 15 majors offered and all the staff are professional artists, designers, and scholars. As well, the student body is smaller than most schools. The institute was chosen by Forbes Magazine as “one of the ten prettiest neighborhoods in the country”. The Cleveland Institute of Art is great for students who are focused on fashion and would like a smaller, more intimate school. 

Columbus College of Art & Design is one of the top ten best design colleges in America and helps students to find their place in the fashion world. From my interview with Suzanne Cotton, the Department Chair of the Fashion Design Department, “Our class size is intimate which allows the students to tailor their work, it is not a one size fits all program”. 

The school is designed to work with each individual student and find their strengths. In an interview with one of Columbus College of Art & Design students, Jesamie Houghtby, “CCAD does a wonderful job of preparing students for the industry and supporting them in every way they can”. This fashion school in Ohio ensures that their students are well educated and part of the fashion world. The college offers a variety of speciality courses and many high endequitment; including, “laser cutters, a digital fabric printer and 3D printing”. At Columbus College of Art & Design their location allows for many local professional companies to visit, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Express, Lane Bryant, and many more. As well, some of their recent employers are Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang, Abercrombie and Fitch, and more. 

This fashion school in Ohio is ranked very highly and has many strengths. As well, at this university the seniors yearly participate in the CCAD Fashion Show which is the “number one fashion event in Columbus by CityScene magazine”. The university also holds numerous fashion events throughout the year where students can interact and work with local brands. Overall, Columbus College of Art & Design is a perfect school for someone who wants a smaller class and an exposure to a variety of fashion opportunities. 

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About Lauren Silver

Lauren Silver is a student at Cuesta College in California. When she isn't working at Fashion Mingle, she's either writing a book, traveling the world, or studying.

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