The Pacific Northwest has a style all its own, giving you many unique opportunities as a fashion design student. There are seven schools you can choose to attend, including universities, art institutes, and technical colleges. The average cost of tuition here is $13,591. You may be able to get scholarships and grants to lower the cost of your education; the average scholarship award in Washington is $4,436.
First, you have to decide whether you want to earn a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree. Associate’s degrees take about two years to complete, because they encompass 60 credits. A Bachelor’s degree may take you four years to complete; you must finish 120 credits to graduate. Some of the classes you take at this level include History of Fashion, Global Fashion Economics, and Textile Science. In addition to learning in the classroom, you get lots of hands-on experience in the design studio, where you create designs, work with your peers, and learn about different materials. A Master’s degree is the next educational step after a Bachelor’s degree. If you attend school full-time, you can usually finish your Master’s degree in two years.
As a Washington student, you may want to take advantage of being close to Metropolitan Fashion Week. This event can show you new styles, help you meet prospective employers, and let you show off your styles.