1. Marist College — Where Business, Creativity & Tech Meet in the Hudson Valley

A Marist student once told me, “You can feel the energy shift the moment you walk into the Steel Plant.” And honestly, that’s the best way to describe this program—alive, collaborative, modern. Marist’s fashion merchandising degree has earned praise from Vogue and the Business of Fashion for good reason: students don’t just study merchandising; they practice it in real-world settings from day one.

The Steel Plant is basically a fashion sandbox—digital labs humming with CAD screens, studio spaces filled with prototypes, a photo area for styling shoots, and MPorium, the student-run boutique where merchandising majors literally learn how to buy, plan, promote, and manage a retail store. And here’s something interesting: because Marist is just 90 minutes from New York City, professors regularly pull industry connections into the classroom. It’s not uncommon to see a merch planner from Macy’s or a buyer from Bloomingdale’s giving feedback on student projects.

Best for: Students who want a balanced mix of creativity and business, and who thrive in environments where hands-on learning is built into the culture. If you want NYC access without living in the chaos of Manhattan, Marist feels like the perfect middle ground.

2. LIM College — The Epicenter of Fashion Business Education in Midtown Manhattan

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking out of class and straight into a meeting at a fashion showroom, LIM is quite literally built for that lifestyle. Located in Midtown Manhattan—within a short walk of major retailers, PR showrooms, and brand offices—LIM specializes exclusively in the business of fashion. This isn’t a school where design and merchandising share space; this is 100% fashion business, and that clarity shapes everything.

One LIM alum told me, “Your internship isn’t just part of your schedule—it is your schedule.” And that’s true: internships aren’t optional here. Students complete required work experiences throughout their degree while taking professional development classes that feel more like real-world training than academics. It’s perfect if you learn best by working, observing trends firsthand, and building connections in the city where fashion retail decisions are actually made.

Because LIM is partnered with dozens of brands—from PVH Corp to Saks Fifth Avenue—students often transition from intern to employee before even graduating. The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Fashion Merchandising is heavy on buying, planning, analytics, and retail strategy, making grads extremely employable.

Best for: Students who want to build a résumé before a diploma, thrive in the pace of NYC, and aim for roles like buyer, planner, allocator, or brand strategist.

3. Kent State University — A National Powerhouse with Global Opportunities

Kent State is one of those programs people hear about and assume is design-focused—until they visit and realize the merchandising side is just as impressive, if not more so. The School of Fashion graduates nearly 200 merchandising students a year, and the alumni network is massive in retail hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and even Seoul.

A professor once explained to me, “We teach fashion as both a global system and a personal experience,” and that philosophy shows. Kent State offers study-away programs in NYC, Florence, Paris, and Hong Kong, allowing merchandising majors to understand how retail strategies shift across cultures. Their NYC campus, right in the Garment District, gives students a second home base for internships with luxury, mid-tier, and mass-market brands.

The curriculum leans into analytics, trend forecasting, retail technology, and consumer behavior—ideal for students who like the strategic side of fashion. And the program consistently ranks among the top in the U.S., thanks to strong placement rates and deep industry ties.

Best for: Students who want a big-university feel, global exposure, and a curriculum that blends creativity with solid business foundations.

4. University of Georgia — A Data-Forward Approach to Fashion Merchandising

UGA’s fashion merchandising program surprises a lot of people. Georgia may not be the first state you associate with the fashion industry, but the program at Athens is one of the most respected in the country—especially for students interested in retail management, analytics, and merchandising strategy.

When I spoke with a recent graduate, she laughed, “UGA prepared me more for my job at Target HQ than my actual onboarding did.” And that says everything. Courses here dive into sourcing, textiles, consumer psychology, product development, and the increasingly important world of retail data interpretation. Because let’s be honest—modern merchandising is numbers-driven, and UGA leans into that skill set.

The program focuses heavily on preparing students for corporate retail careers, with opportunities for internships across the Southeast and strong connections to companies like Carter’s, PVH, and Home Depot’s merchandising division. Students also have access to the Atlanta fashion and retail ecosystem, which continues to grow.

Best for: Students who want a business-first approach to fashion, enjoy research and strategy, and are aiming for stable corporate merchandising roles.

5. Texas Christian University — A Merchandising Program with a Dallas–Fort Worth Advantage

TCU’s fashion merchandising program is rooted in the idea that fashion is both culture and commerce. Located in Fort Worth, with Dallas just 30 minutes away, TCU offers access to one of the largest retail markets in the country. Students intern at Neiman Marcus, Fossil, JCPenney, and a growing number of fashion-tech and e-commerce companies emerging in the DFW area.

A merchandising student once told me, “TCU feels personal. Professors actually know how you’re doing in your internships.” And it’s true—the boutique program size means more individualized guidance. Classes emphasize product development, trend analysis, retail buying, and consumer insights, and the proximity to Dallas allows students to see firsthand how merchandising decisions trickle down from corporate strategy to store execution.

TCU has a strong reputation for preparing confident, well-rounded graduates who can step into buying assistant, planner, or showroom positions. And because the university has a strong business environment, students often cross-register for marketing and entrepreneurship courses, giving them an additional edge.

Best for: Students who want a private-university feel, strong mentorship, and access to major retailers without the intensity of living in NYC or LA.

6. University of Missouri–Columbia — A Merchandising Program Built on Real-World Retail Insight

One of the first things you notice when talking to Mizzou fashion merchandising students is how grounded they are. There’s a refreshing mix of creativity and practicality—probably because the program leans heavily into understanding how the fashion industry works behind the scenes. A senior once told me, “Mizzou teaches you the parts of retail most people never think about—like how supply chain, sourcing, and inventory flow actually impact what ends up on shelves.”

The curriculum touches everything from consumer behavior to global fashion markets, and students learn how retail decisions ripple across countries and cultures. Mizzou’s strong business foundation is a huge advantage, especially for merchandising majors who want to step into analytical or planning roles. And because Missouri sits in a central U.S. location, students often intern with both regional retailers and major national brands.

The school also encourages study abroad, with popular programs in London, Florence, and Paris—ideal for students who want a global edge without attending an expensive private college.

Best for: Students who want a straightforward, business-oriented merchandising education with plenty of internship support and international exposure.

7. University of North Texas — A Merchandising Hub Near One of America’s Biggest Retail Markets

Located just outside the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, UNT is quietly—and consistently—one of the top fashion merchandising programs in the country. The location alone is a massive advantage. Students intern with giants like JCPenney, Pier 1, Neiman Marcus, and Fossil, and many land part-time retail merchandising roles long before graduation.

When I walked through the UNT design and merchandising floor last year, a faculty member mentioned something that stuck with me: “We prepare students for both fashion and furnishings merchandising because retail isn’t siloed anymore.” She’s right—the program offers concentrations in both areas, which gives graduates wider career options in apparel, home goods, and lifestyle retail.

UNT students get a strong foundation in trend forecasting, assortment planning, consumer analytics, and retail operations. The program also hosts industry events where companies visit campus to scout talent—something you don’t always see outside major fashion hubs.

Best for: Students who want big-school energy, strong internship pipelines, and the flexibility to explore merchandising careers across fashion, home, and lifestyle categories.

8. Texas State University — A Practical, Career-Focused Merchandising Degree in a Growing Retail Corridor

Texas State’s merchandising concentration sits inside the Family & Consumer Sciences department, but don’t let the name fool you—the program is surprisingly forward-thinking. A recent graduate told me, “Texas State taught me how retail actually works today—not just the theory.” That’s because courses here are tailored to the modern fashion retail sector, including trend forecasting, digital retailing, supply chain logistics, and brand strategy.

The university’s location between Austin and San Antonio puts students near two rapidly expanding markets where boutique retail, tech-driven brands, and sustainable fashion are all gaining momentum. Many students intern with retailers like H-E-B, Kendra Scott, Whole Foods’ fashion and lifestyle partners, and regional boutiques.

Texas State feels particularly strong for students who want practical experience without the pressure of a big-city fashion school. There’s a sense of community, supportive faculty, and an emphasis on preparing students for jobs that exist right now—not just aspirational fantasy roles.

Best for: Students looking for an affordable yet modern merchandising degree with strong ties to the Austin–San Antonio retail landscape.

9. Lasell University — A Collaborative Boston-Area Program With Serious Career Support

If you’re the kind of student who thrives in a collaborative, project-driven environment, Lasell might feel like home instantly. Their School of Fashion is known for getting students hands-on from the moment they arrive. A Lasell student once told me, “You don’t just learn buying—you actually build assortments for real brands.” And she wasn’t exaggerating. Students here engage in brand partnerships with companies like TJX, New Balance, Puma, Macy’s, and more.

The Fashion Merchandising and Management degree offers several specializations—Product Development, Fashion Promotion, Supply Chain Logistics, Buying & Merchandising—which allow students to tailor their studies to specific career paths. And the highlight? RUNWAY, the annual fashion show entirely produced and merchandised by students. It’s both creative and operationally intense, mirroring industry conditions.

Because the campus is minutes from Boston, students have access to corporate retail, sportswear headquarters, and a thriving tech-meets-fashion ecosystem. Alumni often credit Lasell’s internship support as a major reason they found jobs quickly after graduation.

Best for: Students who want a Boston-area program with strong networking, specialized tracks, and real-world merchandising projects built into the curriculum.

10. Mount Mary University — A Historic Program With Modern Industry Reach

Mount Mary doesn’t always get the national spotlight it deserves, but insiders know its fashion programs are some of the oldest—and most respected—in the United States. The university’s Fashion Archive is a treasure trove with over 10,000 historical pieces, and students use it for research, styling, and exhibition work. One faculty member described it as “a living history lesson,” and it’s hard to disagree.

The merchandising curriculum is hands-on and globally focused. Annual trips to New York City and Paris deepen students’ understanding of fashion markets, and the school’s long-standing industry relationships give students a surprising number of internship opportunities for a Milwaukee-based program.

Mount Mary feels like a place where students get individual attention, thoughtful mentorship, and a strong mix of design, business, and fashion history. Because the school integrates technology and digital tools into coursework, merchandising graduates leave with portfolios that are far from generic.

Best for: Students who want a close-knit program with rich historical resources, international travel opportunities, and a well-rounded approach to fashion merchandising.

11. Thomas Jefferson University — A Forward-Thinking Program With Global Recognition

Jefferson is one of those programs that quietly competes on a global stage. When a professor casually mentioned, “We’re ranked among the top 20 fashion schools in the world by Business of Fashion,” it wasn’t boasting—it was simply true. What makes Jefferson special is how intentionally it blends creativity, analytics, and industry collaboration.

Students in the fashion merchandising program move through both BS and MS pathways, and the curriculum feels incredibly current. Think assortment planning done with real retail datasets, capstone projects with Philadelphia brands, and New York City industry visits that give students a firsthand sense of how decisions are made in corporate buying offices. A senior joked to me, “Jefferson teaches you Excel so well you’ll end up loving spreadsheets.” And honestly, that’s a compliment in merchandising.

The campus vibe is collaborative, and because Jefferson also has design and textiles programs, merchandising students regularly work with peers across disciplines—mirroring the cross-team workflow of real fashion companies.

Best for: Students who want a globally recognized program with strong analytics training, modern facilities, and career pathways that blend creativity with business strategy.

12. Baylor University — Merchandising with Heart, Ethics, and Strong Retail Foundations

If there’s one word that always comes up when people talk about Baylor’s Apparel Merchandising program, it’s character. A merchandising alum told me, “Baylor taught me to be both competent and ethical—two things the industry desperately needs.” The program explicitly emphasizes ethical business practices grounded in a Christian worldview, and it adds a refreshing dimension to learning.

Beyond philosophy, Baylor is extremely hands-on. Students complete required summer internships—many at retailers in Texas and beyond—and the curriculum develops skills in buying, product development, retail math, communication, and cultural awareness. The study abroad option in Europe is a favorite; students often intern during Milan and Paris market periods, which gives them a global perspective few undergraduate programs offer.

What stands out most is the faculty support. Baylor merchandising professors are known for active mentorship, helping students identify career paths in corporate buying, fashion marketing, or product development.

Best for: Students who want a values-driven merchandising education, strong faculty guidance, and opportunities for both domestic and European fashion exposure.

13. Sacred Heart University — Where Brand Marketing Meets Fashion Merchandising

Sacred Heart sits in a sweet spot—just far enough from New York City to offer a campus community, yet close enough for students to tap into real industry opportunities. The university’s bus system makes quick NYC trips surprisingly easy, and students regularly intern at brands you’d recognize instantly: fashion PR firms, department store buying offices, lifestyle brands, and emerging digital-first companies.

A junior once told me, “Sacred Heart gave me the confidence to talk like I belong in a fashion boardroom.” That’s because the program blends fashion merchandising with brand marketing, digital advertising, and textile integration. Students learn how to market products, evaluate assortments, and understand what actually drives consumer decisions.

What sets Sacred Heart apart is how modern its courses feel. Topics like influencer strategy, digital retailing, and omnichannel marketing are treated as essential, not electives. With access to more than 100 internship partners, students often graduate with stacked résumés.

Best for: Students who want a merchandising degree with strong marketing and digital retail components—and easy access to NYC’s fashion ecosystem.

14. Mercyhurst University — A Unique 3+1 Pathway and a Student-Centered Merchandising Program

Mercyhurst has one of the most interesting merchandising pathways in the country. The signature 3+1 option lets students complete three years on the Erie campus and spend their final year studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City or the American Business School in Paris. One student summed it up perfectly: “It felt like getting two degrees in one.”

The program itself is built around understanding the person, the product, and the industry. It’s a holistic approach that prepares students for buying, marketing, styling, product development, and retail strategy roles. Classes are intentionally small, and professors take the time to guide students through personal career goals. Many merchandising majors intern with regional retailers before heading to New York or Paris for their final-year experiences.

This blend of small-college mentorship and big-city exposure is rare. Students consistently say that the 3+1 option boosts both confidence and employability—and it’s easy to see why.

Best for: Students who want personalized attention, a built-in NYC or Paris experience, and a merchandising program that emphasizes both theory and practice.

15. Meredith College — A Paris-Focused, Industry-Connected Program With Dual Tracks

Meredith doesn’t just offer study abroad—it builds entire career experiences around Paris. Every year, students travel to the French capital for a well-established internship program that places them at both women’s and men’s wear shows. A professor once said, “Paris is our second classroom,” and after hearing students talk about their experiences backstage, it’s obvious they mean it.

The program offers two main tracks: Merchandising and Design, allowing students to choose the direction that best fits their strengths. What makes Meredith stand out is the seamless integration of academic learning with real industry work. Students frequently intern with local boutiques, regional fashion companies, and international partners through the Paris program.

The environment feels supportive and collaborative. Students learn to think both creatively and analytically, blending visual merchandising, buying, textiles, fashion history, and retail management.

Best for: Students who crave international experience—especially in Paris—and want a program that combines strong academics with immersive industry exposure.

16. Ball State University — A Hands-On Merchandising Program With Deep Historical Resources

Ball State often surprises prospective students, mostly because the fashion industry community knows it as a place where you learn by doing. When I visited their fashion floor, a student pointed to a row of 18th-century garments and said, “We use these for real class projects.” She meant the Mary Beeman Historic Costume Collection, which houses over 4,000 pieces. Merchandising majors use it for textile analysis, styling, historical research, and visual merchandising assignments.

The Fashion Industry Studies major blends foundational retail math, consumer behavior, and trend research with hands-on work at both junior- and senior-level internships. Those internships aren’t just a checkbox—they’re treated as essential industry entry points, and students often end up working at the same companies after graduation.

Ball State has a grounded, career-focused vibe. Faculty frequently pull in alumni working at national retailers to speak to classes, offering honest insight about merchandising roles—from planning and buying to product development.

Best for: Students who want a highly practical, internship-heavy education with access to a robust historic costume archive for inspiration and research.

17. Seattle Pacific University — A West Coast Program With Strong Industry Partnerships

Seattle Pacific has an interesting dual strength: students get the support of a smaller private university and access to the massive Seattle apparel industry. A merchandising student once told me, “My professors knew exactly which companies to help me target for internships.” And in Seattle, the options are unusually strong—Nordstrom, REI, Eddie Bauer, Amazon Fashion, and Tommy Bahama all recruit from SPU.

The program offers both Apparel Design and Apparel Merchandising majors, but what makes SPU stand out is its liaison program with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Students can complete a one-year associate degree through FIT while remaining connected to SPU—a rare setup that blends West Coast and East Coast fashion perspectives.

The coursework here emphasizes modern retailing, sustainability, product knowledge, and merchandising analytics. The environment feels supportive, and because Seattle is a hub for outdoor, lifestyle, and e-commerce fashion, students gain exposure to categories beyond traditional apparel.

Best for: Students who want the combination of a close-knit program, access to major West Coast fashion brands, and a unique FIT dual-degree opportunity.

18. Lipscomb University — A Merchandising Program Rooted in Sustainability and Real-World Projects

Lipscomb’s program feels distinctly modern—not because it tries to be trendy, but because it’s built on three core principles every merchandising student should care about: Sustainability, Philanthropy, and Collaboration. A junior once told me, “We talk about sustainability here in a way that actually feels actionable.” And it’s true—students dive into responsible sourcing, ethical production, and consumer transparency.

Located in Nashville, Lipscomb gives students access to a fast-growing community of independent designers, boutique brands, and entertainment-driven fashion projects. Students complete internships across retail, styling, merchandising, and product development, and the program balances classroom learning with on-ground experience.

What stands out most is how collaborative the classes feel. Projects often include brand partnerships or community-focused initiatives, and students graduate with portfolios that reflect real client-based work.

Best for: Students who want a values-driven education with a strong focus on sustainability and hands-on industry experience in Nashville’s creative market.

19. High Point University — A Merchandising Program With Strong Industry Access and Experiential Learning

High Point University takes a polished, business-forward approach to fashion merchandising. When I spoke with a recent graduate, she said, “HPU prepared me to walk into a corporate office and feel like I knew exactly what was going on.” It makes sense—classes emphasize retail management, buying, consumer analysis, and merchandising strategy, all rooted in real-world applications.

Students frequently work at the High Point Furniture Market and the Showtime Market, two major industry events in North Carolina. These experiences help them develop professional communication skills and understand product categories beyond apparel. Trips to New York City give merchandising majors a chance to visit buying offices, showrooms, and brand headquarters.

HPU has strong internship placements at companies like Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Oscar de la Renta, and Tory Burch. The personalized career support is a big factor in the program’s reputation.

Best for: Students who want a polished, business-driven merch education with access to major retail events and a strong internship pipeline.

20. Southern New Hampshire University — A Flexible Online Merchandising Program for Today’s Digital Retail Landscape

SNHU is different from almost every school on this list for one simple reason: its fashion merchandising degree is fully online. And surprisingly, it works—not as a fallback option, but as a strong program for students who want flexibility without sacrificing relevance.

An SNHU student working full-time in retail told me, “I applied everything I learned in class directly to my job—sometimes the same day.” The curriculum blends fashion marketing, color and textile theory, digital retailing, consumer behavior, and retail operations. Because the program sits inside a well-established online learning system, students get structured support and clear pacing.

What makes SNHU stand out is how it emphasizes the business of fashion. The courses feel practical, modern, and aligned with real merchandising roles, especially in e-commerce and omnichannel retail. It’s an excellent option for students who are already working or who prefer remote learning.

Best for: Students who want a fully online merchandising degree designed for digital retail, e-commerce careers, and flexible schedules.

21. Belmont University — A Tech-Savvy Merchandising Program in the Heart of Nashville

Belmont has become one of the South’s strongest fashion merchandising destinations, and you feel it the moment you walk into their fashion labs. A student once told me, “Belmont taught me how to think like a merchandiser and a storyteller,” which makes perfect sense—this is a program that blends design principles, business strategy, and modern retail technology.

Ranked among the top fashion programs in the country by Fashion-Schools.org, the BFA in Fashion Merchandising emphasizes experiential learning. Students develop assortment plans, build trend boards, produce visual merchandising installations, and collaborate with Nashville-based fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment brands. Because the city is a hub for music and creative industries, styling and merchandising opportunities extend far beyond traditional retail.

A standout feature is Belmont’s connection to Fortune 500 companies like Tractor Supply, Dollar General, and Genesco. Students intern across planning, buying, marketing, and product development roles—often converting those internships into full-time jobs.

Best for: Students who want a technology-forward merchandising degree set in a creative city with strong internship networks and a mix of design, business, and storytelling.

22. Johnson & Wales University (Providence) — A Merchandising Program Built for Trend Forecasters and Retail Strategists

JWU’s Fashion Merchandising & Retailing program is one of the most industry-focused in New England. A student once shared, “We don’t just study trends—we predict them.” That mindset comes from the program’s clear emphasis on hands-on retail strategy, forecasting, and merchandising analytics.

Classes dive into product lines, consumer insights, inventory planning, and brand positioning. Students also gain access to the Retail and Fashion Lab, where they learn how to evaluate assortments and test merchandising concepts in simulated retail environments. And the annual New York City trip isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a backstage pass to showrooms, trend agencies, and corporate buying offices.

JWU students consistently say they graduate feeling prepared for real merchandising roles, partly because the university places such a strong emphasis on internships early in the program. Many go on to work in buying, planning, brand development, and trend research.

Best for: Students who want a merchandising degree that prioritizes retail analytics, trend forecasting, and hands-on learning within a structured, professional environment.

23. Immaculata University — A Multidisciplinary Merchandising Program With Strong Personal Mentorship

Immaculata is a quiet gem—especially for students who prefer smaller class sizes and a deeply supportive academic environment. A professor once told me, “Our students aren’t numbers; we know their goals by name,” and the program genuinely reflects that personal approach.

Offering both BS and AS degrees in Fashion Merchandising, Immaculata integrates creative coursework with business fundamentals. Students learn buying, marketing, product development, retail strategy, and visual merchandising while also exploring design concepts and textile science. The balance of creativity and business makes the program ideal for students who want flexibility in their career paths.

Because of its location near Philadelphia, students often land internships at regional retailers, boutiques, and fashion marketing agencies. Many graduates credit their early exposure to industry environments—and their professors’ guidance—with helping them secure competitive entry-level positions.

Best for: Students who want a close-knit academic community with personalized mentorship and a well-rounded merchandising curriculum that touches multiple facets of the industry.

24. Central Michigan University — A Solid Merchandising Program With Strong Retail Foundations

Central Michigan’s fashion merchandising program is designed for students who want a clear, structured understanding of how modern retail works—from supply chain to consumer behavior. A recent graduate told me, “CMU didn’t just teach me what the industry is; it taught me how to operate within it.” That sums up the program’s strength: practical, grounded education.

Students develop essential skills in product development, retail operations, textiles, buying, and consumer analytics. The curriculum avoids fluff—focus stays on the competencies employers actually look for in merchandise planners, allocators, and assistant buyers. Because CMU emphasizes foundational business skills, graduates often transition smoothly into corporate retail roles.

The school also encourages participation in student organizations, fashion shows, and study-abroad experiences, allowing merchandising majors to expand their networks and portfolios.

Best for: Students who want a straightforward, well-rounded merchandising degree with strong academic support and clear career pathways in retail operations and buying.

25. Marymount Manhattan College — A Manhattan-Based Merchandising Program With Unmatched NYC Access

Few programs offer the kind of day-to-day industry immersion that Marymount Manhattan provides simply by being in the heart of New York City. A student once laughed, “Half my classes feel like field trips,” and honestly, that’s part of the appeal. When your campus is surrounded by showrooms, flagship stores, brand offices, and fashion PR firms, learning becomes naturally experiential.

Marymount’s fashion merchandising program gives students direct access to New York’s corporate retail world. Internships begin early, often as soon as sophomore year, and students regularly secure roles with brand houses, department stores, and trend forecasting agencies. The curriculum is practical—visual merchandising, buying, retail management, fashion communication—and professors often bring in current retail case studies straight from the industry.

Because the college is small, students get a lot of individualized support. And being in Manhattan means the networking opportunities are unmatched, especially for students who want to break into fashion media, luxury retail, or showroom operations.

Best for: Students who want to build their careers directly in NYC, learn by immersing themselves in the industry, and secure internships with major fashion companies while completing their degree.