Are you ready to start a new career as a fashion designer? If so, the first step is attending a fashion design school in Illinois. There are ten schools you can choose to attend, mostly located in or around Chicago. The average acceptance rate is 64%, giving you good odds of getting into the program of your choice with a strong application. Tuition costs differ between schools, but the average tuition cost in Illinois is $18,061.
The most widely available fashion design program in Illinois is a bachelor’s degree program. These programs consist of 120 to 135 credits, and as a full-time student you can expect to graduate in four to five years. The classes you have to take are split between classroom courses and those that require sewing and design work. Some of the classes you may have to take include Introduction to Textiles, Principles of Fashion Design, and Technology in Fashion Design. Some schools, like Dominican University, offer special educational opportunities like a class in Special Topics in Fashion Design. A Master’s degree takes two years of full-time study beyond a Bachelor’s degree, and includes a much more in-depth study of the fashion industry.
As a fashion design student or professional, you may want to join Fashion Group International. Membership in this group can help you find out about new jobs, fashion shows, and events in your state.