Including how and where to apply.
FASHIONISTA - UPDATED: JAN 17, 2024 - ORIGINAL: JAN 16, 2024
While the dream of pursuing a degree in fashion occupies the minds of many aspiring designers, merchandisers, marketers and other creatives, the reality of funding said education can be daunting. Today, the average cost of college in the U.S. is just over $36,000 per student per year, according to a 2023 report from Education Data Initiative. Tack on student loans (along with rising interest rates), and a bachelor's degree could potentially exceed $500,000.
Navigating how you're going to pay for college can feel disheartening. However, many established fashion brands have responded to the exorbitant cost of education by creating scholarships to help foster the growth of the next generation of industry professionals, from school-specific awards to national contests. Some, such as The Clear Cut Scholarship Fund and CWC Fellows program are specifically focused on supporting BIPOC students often underrepresented in the industry. Many offer mentorship in addition to monetary support, offering valuable insight and opportunity for professional growth beyond the academic sector.
Below, we've compiled a list of fashion-focused scholarships to keep your eye on — many of which are accepting applications now. We'll continue to update this list as more scholarships become available.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS
FASHION SCHOLARSHIP FUND SCHOLARS
Next Deadline: Oct. 14, 2024 at 8:59 a.m. PST.
Qualifications: Full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors (graduating Spring 2025) enrolled in an FSF member school are eligible. To apply, contact the FSF educator at your member school for login details to enter the Case Study Scholarship Competition.
Amount: At least 100 scholarships awarded, totaling over $1.4 million. The four highest-scoring Scholar Finalists in the annual Case Study Scholarship Program will compete for the FSF's $25,000 Chairman's Award, presenting their case studies to a panel of judges. Scholarship recipients may join the FSF Mentor Program to have access to internship and job opportunities; they're also invited to the FSF Awards Gala in New York City.
How to apply: 2025 Case Study Prompts will be published in February 2024; applicants should contact their school's FSF Educator Partner for more information.
VIRGIL ABLOH "POST-MODERN" SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Next Deadline: Oct. 14, 2024 at 8:59 a.m. PST.
Qualifications: Undergraduates of academic promise of Black, African American or African descent are eligible. Scholarships are awarded on a merit basis to students who successfully complete the FSF Case Study Competition.
Amount: More than 30 scholarships of $7,500+ each.
How to apply: Visit here.