Texas is quickly becoming one of the most exciting places to study fashion in the United States. With major fashion markets in Dallas, Houston, and Austin, the state offers students real-world connections to the industry while they learn. This guide will walk you through fashion education options across Texas, covering everything from large university programs to specialized fashion institutes. Whether you’re interested in design, merchandising, styling, or business, Texas has programs that can help you build the skills and portfolio you need. Each school has its own strengths, and this page will help you understand what’s available, what you’ll learn, and how to choose the right program for your goals.
Quick Summary Snapshot
- Total Fashion Schools in Texas: 15+ institutions offering fashion programs
- Best Overall School: University of North Texas (Denton) – strong design and merchandising programs
- Tuition Range: $3,000–$35,000 per year depending on school type
- Degree Levels Available: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Certificate programs
- Major Fashion Cities: Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio
- Specializations Offered: Fashion Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Styling, Textile Science
- Industry Connections: Strong ties to Dallas Market Center, Houston Fashion Week, and local boutiques
What Fashion School Covers
Fashion school is where you learn both the creative and business sides of the fashion industry. You’ll develop skills in sketching, pattern-making, sewing, and garment construction if you focus on design. If you’re more interested in the business side, you’ll study buying, retail management, trend forecasting, and brand marketing.
Most programs teach you industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. You’ll also learn about textiles, fashion history, and how to present your work professionally. Many schools require you to build a portfolio, which is a collection of your best work that you’ll use when applying for jobs or internships.
Fashion programs in Texas often include hands-on projects, fashion shows, and internships with local brands or retailers. You’ll work on real briefs, sometimes even collaborating with actual companies. The goal is to graduate with practical skills and professional connections, not just theory.
List of Fashion Schools in Texas
Tier 1 – Best Overall Schools
University of North Texas (Denton)
Degrees: BA in Fashion Design, BS in Merchandising
Key Strengths: Strong curriculum, experienced faculty, annual fashion show, internship connections
Why Choose It: UNT offers one of the most comprehensive fashion programs in Texas with both creative and business tracks. Students get access to professional equipment and regular industry guest speakers.
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
Degrees: BFA in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising track
Key Strengths: Small class sizes, personalized attention, strong alumni network
Why Choose It: TCU provides an intimate learning environment with direct mentorship from professors. The program emphasizes both technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking.
Texas State University (San Marcos)
Degrees: BS in Fashion Merchandising
Key Strengths: Business-focused program, retail management emphasis, career placement support
Why Choose It: Ideal for students interested in the retail and business side of fashion. The program has strong connections with major retailers and buying offices.
University of Houston (Houston)
Degrees: BFA in Fibers/Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Located in Texas’s second-largest city, diverse student body, strong arts program
Why Choose It: Students benefit from Houston’s growing fashion scene and access to museums, galleries, and fashion events. The program encourages experimental and conceptual design work.
Tier 2 – Specialized Schools
Wade College (Dallas)
Degrees: AAS in Fashion Design and Merchandising
Key Strengths: Industry-focused, Dallas location near major fashion markets, career services
Why Choose It: Wade College is a specialized fashion school right in the heart of Dallas’s fashion district. Classes are taught by working industry professionals.
The Art Institute of Houston (Houston)
Degrees: AA and BA in Fashion Design and Marketing
Key Strengths: Hands-on learning, modern facilities, portfolio development focus
Why Choose It: This school emphasizes practical skills and portfolio building. Students work on projects that mirror real industry deadlines and standards.
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Degrees: BS in Retail Management, minor in Design
Key Strengths: Strong business foundation, affordable tuition, research opportunities
Why Choose It: Great option for students who want solid business training with fashion application. The program prepares students for management roles in retail and fashion companies.
Texas Woman’s University (Denton)
Degrees: BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising
Key Strengths: Supportive community, focus on women in fashion leadership, sustainable fashion options
Why Choose It: TWU offers a welcoming environment with attention to social responsibility in fashion. Students explore sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
Tier 3 – Affordable / Community Colleges
El Centro College (Dallas)
Degrees: Certificate and AAS in Fashion Design
Key Strengths: Very affordable, flexible scheduling, transfer pathways
Why Choose It: Perfect starting point for students who want to explore fashion without committing to a four-year program. Credits transfer to many Texas universities.
Houston Community College (Houston)
Degrees: Certificate programs in Fashion Merchandising and Design
Key Strengths: Low tuition, multiple campus locations, evening classes available
Why Choose It: HCC allows students to complete foundational coursework affordably before transferring or entering the workforce.
San Jacinto College (Pasadena)
Degrees: Certificate in Fashion Merchandising
Key Strengths: Short-term programs, career-focused, job placement assistance
Why Choose It: Good for students who want quick entry into fashion retail or buying positions.
Austin Community College (Austin)
Degrees: Certificate in Fashion Design and Merchandising
Key Strengths: Located in creative Austin, connections to local boutiques and designers
Why Choose It: ACC provides affordable education in one of Texas’s most creative cities, with opportunities to connect with local fashion entrepreneurs.
Comparison Table
| School Name | Programs | Degree Levels | Tuition (Annual) | City | Best For |
| University of North Texas | Fashion Design, Merchandising | BA, BS | $11,000–$24,000 | Denton | Comprehensive education |
| Texas Christian University | Fashion Design, Merchandising | BFA | $32,000–$35,000 | Fort Worth | Small classes, mentorship |
| Texas State University | Fashion Merchandising | BS | $10,000–$23,000 | San Marcos | Business focus |
| University of Houston | Fibers/Fashion Design | BFA | $11,000–$28,000 | Houston | Artistic exploration |
| Wade College | Fashion Design, Merchandising | AAS | $18,000–$22,000 | Dallas | Industry connections |
| Art Institute of Houston | Fashion Design, Marketing | AA, BA | $17,000–$25,000 | Houston | Portfolio building |
| Texas Tech University | Retail Management | BS | $9,000–$22,000 | Lubbock | Business training |
| El Centro College | Fashion Design | Certificate, AAS | $3,000–$6,000 | Dallas | Affordable start |
| Houston Community College | Fashion Design, Merchandising | Certificate | $3,000–$5,000 | Houston | Transfer pathway |
| Austin Community College | Fashion Design, Merchandising | Certificate | $3,500–$6,500 | Austin | Creative environment |
What You Will Learn
- Fashion Sketching & Illustration: How to draw fashion figures and communicate design ideas visually using both hand-drawing and digital tools
- Pattern Making & Draping: Technical skills to create patterns from scratch and drape fabric on dress forms to develop garment structures
- Sewing & Construction: Hands-on experience with industrial sewing machines, finishing techniques, and garment assembly
- Textiles & Fabric Science: Understanding different fabric types, their properties, how they behave, and how to select appropriate materials for designs
- Fashion History & Theory: Study of fashion movements, influential designers, and cultural impacts that shape contemporary fashion
- Adobe Creative Suite: Professional training in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creating technical flats, presentations, and portfolios
- Merchandising & Buying: Business skills including retail math, inventory management, trend forecasting, and purchasing decisions
- Brand Development: How to create fashion brands, understand target markets, develop marketing strategies, and build brand identity
- Portfolio Development: Creating a professional portfolio that showcases your best work and tells your story as a designer or merchandiser
- Fashion Show Production: Experience planning, coordinating, and executing fashion shows from concept to runway
Explore More in Texas
Looking for more specific information about fashion education in Texas? Check out these related guides:
- Fashion Design in Texas – Focused specifically on design programs, technical skills, and creative development
- Fashion Merchandising in Texas – Everything about buying, retail management, and the business side of fashion
- Fashion Marketing in Texas – Brand strategy, digital marketing, and promotional careers in fashion
Each guide provides detailed information tailored to that specific career path.
Nearby States to Explore
If you’re considering schools outside Texas or want to compare options, explore fashion schools in these neighboring states:
- Fashion Schools in Oklahoma – Smaller programs with personalized attention and lower tuition
- Fashion Schools in Louisiana – New Orleans offers unique creative culture and costume design opportunities
- Fashion Schools in Arkansas – Affordable options with strong retail partnerships
- Fashion Schools in New Mexico – Programs emphasizing Southwestern aesthetics and textile traditions
- Fashion Schools in Mississippi – Growing programs with focus on traditional garment construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a portfolio to get into fashion school in Texas?
Most four-year universities don’t require a portfolio for admission, but it helps strengthen your application. Some specialized schools like Wade College may request a portfolio or creative samples. Community colleges typically don’t require portfolios. Even if it’s not required, having one shows your commitment and gives admissions teams insight into your potential.
How much does fashion school cost in Texas?
Community college programs range from $3,000–$6,500 per year for in-state students. Public universities cost $9,000–$24,000 annually depending on residency. Private schools like TCU run $32,000–$35,000 per year. Many schools offer scholarships specifically for fashion students, so always ask about financial aid opportunities.
What software and tools will I learn in a Texas fashion program?
You’ll definitely learn Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, which are industry standards for technical drawings and presentations. Many programs also teach InDesign for lookbooks and presentations. On the construction side, you’ll use industrial sewing machines, sergers, and dress forms. Some schools are adding CLO3D for digital fashion design.
Can I study fashion online in Texas?
Some Texas schools offer hybrid programs where you complete theory classes online but attend in-person labs for sewing and construction. Fully online fashion degrees are rare because hands-on skills are essential. However, schools like Texas Tech and UNT offer some online merchandising and marketing courses for the business side of fashion.
What careers can I pursue after graduating from a Texas fashion school?
Design graduates often become assistant designers, pattern makers, technical designers, or start their own brands. Merchandising students work as buyers, retail managers, visual merchandisers, or trend analysts. You could also pursue styling, fashion journalism, product development, or social media marketing for fashion brands.
Is the Texas fashion industry growing?
Yes, especially in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Dallas is home to the Dallas Market Center, one of the largest wholesale marketplaces in the world. Houston has a diverse fashion scene with growing interest in sustainable fashion. Austin’s creative culture supports independent designers and boutiques. The state’s strong economy and no income tax also attract fashion businesses.
Should I choose a university or a specialized fashion school?
Universities give you a well-rounded education with general studies alongside your fashion coursework. This is great if you want flexibility or might change directions. Specialized schools focus intensely on fashion and move faster, but you’ll have fewer non-fashion courses. Consider your learning style and whether you want a broader college experience or focused career training.
Final Advice for Future Fashion Students
Choosing where to study fashion is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your creative career. Texas offers incredible variety, from large university programs to intimate specialized schools, and each has something valuable to offer.
Take your time visiting campuses if you can. Look at student work, talk to current students, and ask to sit in on a class. Pay attention to the facilities—are the sewing labs well-equipped? Do students seem engaged and happy? Also consider location carefully. Being in Dallas or Houston means more internship opportunities and industry connections, but smaller cities might offer more affordable living and closer-knit communities.
Think about your learning style too. Do you thrive with lots of structure and clear deadlines, or do you need creative freedom? Some programs are very technical and industry-focused, while others encourage artistic experimentation. Neither approach is better—it depends on your goals and personality.
Don’t let cost alone make your decision, but don’t ignore it either. Community college can be a smart, affordable start, especially if you’re still exploring whether fashion is right for you. You can always transfer to a four-year program later with credits and a clearer direction.
Finally, remember that your education is what you make of it. The best students take advantage of every opportunity—internships, fashion shows, competitions, and networking events. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and build relationships with your professors and classmates. The fashion industry is all about connections and continuous learning, and that starts now.
Trust yourself to find the program that feels right. You’ve got this.