Modeling is a highly competitive industry that goes beyond just walking the runway or posing for photoshoots. Aspiring models need more than just good looks—they need a strong foundation in fashion, business, and self-presentation to build successful careers. While many models enter the industry without formal education, attending a college with a specialized modeling or fashion program can provide significant advantages. These schools offer courses in fashion, business, marketing, and self-development, giving students the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modeling world.
In this article, we will explore some of the best colleges for aspiring models. Whether you want to focus on runway work, commercial modeling, or even fashion photography, these schools offer programs designed to help you succeed in the fashion industry.
1. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
The Ultimate Fashion Hub
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City is one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world. While FIT doesn’t have a specific program dedicated solely to modeling, its fashion-related degree programs provide a comprehensive education in the industry, covering topics like fashion design, business, photography, and marketing. For aspiring models, FIT’s focus on the entire fashion ecosystem gives students valuable insights into how the industry works from multiple perspectives.
One of FIT’s key advantages is its location in New York City, the fashion capital of the United States. Being in the heart of the fashion world means students have access to internships, runway shows, and networking opportunities with leading designers, photographers, and agencies.
Programs of Interest:
Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Fashion Business Management
Photography and Related Media
Advertising and Marketing Communications
These programs help students understand how to brand themselves, build a professional portfolio, and connect with industry leaders.
2. Parsons School of Design, New York
The Business of Fashion
Parsons School of Design is another iconic New York institution that offers a wide array of fashion-related programs. While it doesn’t offer a dedicated modeling course, its rigorous curriculum in fashion marketing, design, and communication can be highly beneficial for aspiring models. Parsons teaches students the importance of personal branding and gives them the tools they need to build a long-lasting career in the fashion industry.
Parsons is known for its strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation in fashion, making it ideal for models who want to align themselves with forward-thinking fashion houses and movements. The school has a reputation for producing graduates who work at some of the top fashion brands globally, giving aspiring models a strong network to tap into.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Marketing and Communication
Fashion Design
Strategic Design and Management
Parsons’ comprehensive approach to the fashion industry provides students with the necessary skills to present themselves effectively in a professional modeling career.
3. University of the Arts London (UAL)
Europe’s Fashion Powerhouse
For aspiring models looking to study abroad, the University of the Arts London (UAL) is one of the best options. UAL is home to several renowned fashion programs across its various colleges, such as Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. These schools are known for producing many of the top designers, photographers, and creative directors in the fashion world, making UAL an ideal choice for students who want to immerse themselves in the European fashion scene.
While UAL doesn’t have a dedicated modeling program, it offers courses in fashion media, styling, and fashion business. Models can benefit from the school’s focus on self-presentation and media training, as well as from the networking opportunities with London’s thriving fashion industry.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Styling and Production
Fashion Photography
Fashion Marketing
London is another global fashion hub, and UAL’s strong connections to the industry provide a direct path for students looking to break into modeling.
4. London College of Fashion (LCF), University of the Arts London
Specializing in Fashion Careers
As part of UAL, London College of Fashion (LCF) offers a wide variety of specialized programs that cater to different aspects of the fashion industry. LCF’s unique curriculum allows students to focus on areas like fashion journalism, fashion design, and, importantly for aspiring models, fashion media and communication.
LCF’s location in London offers unparalleled access to fashion shows, industry events, and internships, making it an excellent choice for aspiring models. Students at LCF have the opportunity to collaborate with emerging designers, photographers, and other creatives who are making waves in the fashion world.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Journalism
Fashion Media and Communication
Fashion Photography
LCF’s holistic approach to the fashion industry ensures that aspiring models understand the full scope of the fashion business and how to leverage their skills for long-term success.
5. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Georgia
Fashion Meets Art
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers a robust fashion program that combines artistic vision with business acumen. While SCAD doesn’t have a specific program for models, it provides courses in fashion design, marketing, and media that help aspiring models understand the creative and commercial sides of the industry.
SCAD also has strong connections to the fashion industry and regularly hosts fashion shows, giving students the opportunity to network and showcase their talents. For aspiring models, SCAD’s focus on artistic collaboration and creative expression can provide valuable insights into the fashion world.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Marketing and Management
Fashion Design
Accessory Design
With campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and even abroad in Lacoste, France, SCAD offers diverse opportunities for students to immerse themselves in fashion across various locations.
6. Ryerson University, Toronto
Canada’s Leading Fashion Program
Ryerson University in Toronto is known for its fashion program, which offers a balanced curriculum of design, business, and media. Aspiring models can benefit from Ryerson’s Fashion Communication program, which focuses on media, branding, and visual communication. The university also hosts an annual fashion show where students can showcase their work to industry professionals.
Toronto is an emerging fashion hub, and Ryerson’s connections to the industry provide students with the opportunity to work with top Canadian designers and photographers. Aspiring models can gain valuable experience in front of the camera or on the runway while developing a deep understanding of the fashion world.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Communication
Fashion Design
Creative Industries
Ryerson’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that aspiring models have the skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-evolving fashion landscape.
7. Istituto Marangoni, Milan
The Heart of Italian Fashion
Istituto Marangoni in Milan is one of the top fashion schools in Italy, located in one of the world’s fashion capitals. While the school focuses primarily on fashion design, marketing, and styling, its strong emphasis on fashion media and communication makes it an excellent choice for aspiring models.
Istituto Marangoni’s close proximity to top Italian fashion houses and fashion weeks gives students unparalleled access to the industry. For aspiring models, the school’s connections with fashion brands, photographers, and agencies provide a direct path to the runway.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Business and Communication
Fashion Styling
Luxury Brand Management
Studying in Milan offers aspiring models a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of high fashion, surrounded by some of the top designers and brands in the world.
8. Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC)
Practical Experience in the Fashion Industry
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offers a more hands-on, vocational approach to fashion education. For aspiring models, LATTC’s Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Design programs provide practical skills that can be applied to the fashion world. The school’s location in Los Angeles gives students access to the entertainment and fashion industries, with opportunities to work on fashion shows, commercials, and photoshoots.
Programs of Interest:
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Design
LATTC is ideal for students who want to enter the fashion industry quickly and gain practical experience, making it a great choice for aspiring models looking to build their portfolio and industry connections.
Conclusion
For aspiring models, attending a college with a strong focus on fashion, media, and business can provide invaluable tools and networking opportunities to jumpstart a career. Whether you want to pursue runway modeling, commercial work, or fashion media, these colleges offer a wide range of programs designed to help you succeed. By gaining a deep understanding of the fashion industry and honing your self-presentation skills, you can increase your chances of standing out in the competitive world of modeling.