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Parsons School of Design: Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements
- Private University
1 Campus- Estd. 1896
Last updated on 2 Oct '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)
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For Parsons School of Design admissions, students are advised to apply within the application deadlines listed below:
- Undergraduate Spring Intake Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2024
- Graduate Fall Intake Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2025
- About Parsons School of Design
- Parsons School of Design Programs
- Parsons School of Design Scholarships 2025
- Parsons School of Design Admissions 2025
- Parsons School of Design Fees
- Parsons School of Design Placements
- Parsons School of Design College comparison
- Studying in USA
- Parsons School of Design Notable Alumni
- Parsons School of Design Details
- Parsons School of Design FAQs
About Parsons School of Design
Established in 1896, Parsons School of Design is a private art and design college located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City, United States. It is one of the most popular fashion schools in the USA. For the Parsons School of Design admissions, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirements. Parsons School of Design acceptance rate stands at 63%, which indicates that securing admission at this university is not the most competitive affair.
International students can study programs in the fields of Art & Design, Fashion, Media, Design Management, Visual Arts, Urban Design and more. Academic divisions at the university include Art & Design; History & Theory; Art, Media & Technology; Constructed Environments; Design Strategies; and Fashion. Currently, more than 5,700 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the university.
Things to Know about Parsons School of Design
Here are some interesting facts that students must know about the Parsons School of Design:
| Particulars | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Around 63% |
| Top 5 Majors | Visual Communications, Fashion/Apparel Design, Graphic Design, Fashion, Communication |
| Duration of Courses |
UG: 4 years PG: 1 - 2 years |
| Cost |
UG: INR 46 L - 48 L PG: INR 29 L - 49 L |
| Top Industries |
Arts & Design, Business Development, Marketing, Media & Communications, Operations |
| Top Recruiters |
, , , , , , |
Parsons School of Design History
In 1896, the Parsons School of Design was founded by the reputed American Impressionist William Meritt Chase.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: Is it hard to get into Parsons School of Design?
Parsons School of Design is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 63%. With the help of this figure, it can be concluded that almost 63 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the institution, which is more than half of all the applicants. Hence, once an applicant fulfills the Parsons School of Design admission requirements, i.e., competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission in the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to Parsons School within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student for their higher studies.
Q: Which documents do I need to submit while applying to Parsons School of Design?
While applying for Parsons School of Design admissions, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Academic transcripts;
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Essay;
- Statement of purpose (SOP);
- Letters of recommendation (LOR);
- Resume/CV;
- Portfolio; and
- Standardized test scores (not mandatory).
Q: What is the acceptance rate of Parsons School of Design?
Based on the ratio of admissions to applications, the Parsons School of Design acceptance rate stands at 63%. Since, the stats are on the higher end, we can conclude that Parsons is a moderately competitive university to get in, as it admits more than half of the applicants. Once an applicant fulfills the Parsons School of Design admission requirements, ie; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission in the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to Parsons within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.
Note: The data has been derived from unofficial sources and is subjected to changes.
Q: What is Parsons School of Design best known for?
Parsons School of Design offers programs for international students on the undergraduate and graduate level as well as associate’s degrees for professionals. Listed below are the best known Parsons School of Design programs for overseas applicants:
- Art & Design;
- Fashion & Technology;
- Urban Design;
- Fine Arts; and
- Management.
Q: How is Parsons School of Design ranked in US?
Parsons School of Design is one of the most well-known design schools in the US. It is ranked #204 in Best National Universities by the prestigious US News & World Report in the 2024 edition. Parsons has also been awarded the rank #190 in Best Value Schools, and #158 in Best Colleges for Veterans by the same ranking body. According to QS World University Rankings by Subject, Parsons School of Design is ranked at the spot #4.
Parsons School of Design Programs
With six academic schools in its ambit, the Parsons School of Design offers programs on the undergraduate, graduate as well as associate’s degrees for professionals across the spectrum of Art & Design, from Fashion, Media, Design Management, and Visual Arts. With the student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students get to interact one-on-one with their experienced professors. Parsons School of Design is equipped with 41 research centres, institutes, and labs university-wide. A total of 37 academic programs are offered in NYC and Paris.
As per the historical data of the university's alumni, some of the popular streams of study at Parsons School of Design include design & Visual Communications, Fashion/Apparel Design, Graphic Design, Fashion, Communication, and more.
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include National Security Policy Studies; Industrial & Product Design; Business Administration & Management; CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician; and Business/Commerce.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: What can international students study in Parsons School of Design?
Parsons School of Design offers undergraduate, graduate and associate’s degrees for professionals through its academic schools, namely Art & Design, History & Theory, Art, Media, & Technology, Constructed Environments, Design Strategies, and Fashion. International students can study programs in the field of Art & Design, Fashion, Media, Design Management, Visual Arts, Urban Design and more.
Q: How long does it take to find a design job as a new graduate from the Parsons School of Design?
After their graduation from the Parsons School of Design, the time it takes for a candidate to secure a design job depends on various factors like their skills, experience, network and connections, and the job market conditions. Generally, it may take a few weeks or even a few months for students to grab onto a job opportunity in their field of interest. Students can make use of the career services offered by the Parsons School of Design, which helps them secure jobs, build impressive resume, and more.
Know more about the top job industries in USA for international students.
Parsons School of Design Scholarships 2025
Parsons School of Design offers generous scholarships for their international students on the basis of a holistic review of their application, which includes the review of auditions and portfolios when required. Students are eligible for partial tuition scholarships. Also, it must be noted that Parsons School of Design scholarships for international students are awarded on the basis of merit, and thus financial need is not taken into account.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Does Parsons School of Design offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, Parsons School of Design automatically considers international students holding an F-1 visa or J-1 visa for partial tuition scholarships, based on a holistic review of their application. Also, it includes the review of auditions and portfolios when required. Parsons School of Design scholarships for international students are awarded on the basis of merit, and thus financial need is not taken into consideration.
Q: Do universities in USA offer scholarships to international students?
Opting to study abroad is a major step that students take for their career and managing the expenses (including the tuition fee and living costs) play a deciding factor in this decision. Here is where scholarships dive in and help students study in their dream college by cutting down a portion of their expenses. Here are some scholarships offered by the top universities in USA that are available for international students:
Parsons School of Design Admissions 2025
Prospective international applicants can apply for the Parsons School of Design admissions either through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the Official Application Portal for bachelor's courses. For master's courses, candidates can apply through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website.
Parsons School of Design acceptance rate stands at 63%, which indicates that the university is moderately selective.
Steps to apply for UG courses at Parsons School of Design:
Parsons School of Design Application Deadlines for International Students
UG: Parsons School allows overseas undergraduates to apply either through the Fall intake or Spring intake. Listed below are the important dates & deadlines:
| Intake Season | Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Fall Intake
|
Jan 15, 2024
|
|
Spring Intake
|
Nov 1, 2024
|
PG: Graduate international students can apply during the Fall intake and the deadline is:
| Intake Season | Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Fall Intake
|
Jan 5, 2024
|
Parsons School of Design Application Fee for International Students
For UG & PG students, the application fee for Parsons School of Design varies. Listed below are the details:
- UG: USD 75 (INR 6.3 K)
- PG: USD 50 (INR 4.2 K)
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.98
Parsons School of Design Admission Requirements for International Students
In order to secure an enrolment, all international students are required to fulfill the Parsons School of Design entry requirements listed below:
- Academic transcripts (English translation);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Essay;
- Statement of purpose (SOP);
- Letters of recommendation (LOR);
- Resume/CV;
- Portfolio;
- Aptitude test scores (not mandatory); and
- Interview (determined upon the review of the application).
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Not required |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Important dates| Intake season | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | 5ᵗʰ Jan - 31ˢᵗ Jul 2024 |
| Spring | 1ˢᵗ Nov 2024 |
| Summer | 5ᵗʰ Jan 2024 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: What are the Parsons School of Design application deadlines for international students?
Parsons School of Design accepts undergraduate applications through two intake seasons: Fall & Spring. Whereas, graduates can apply only for Fall semester admissions. Listed below are the Parsons School of Design application deadlines for international students:
1) Undergraduate Deadlines:
| Intake Season | Deadlines |
|---|---|
Fall Intake | Jan 15, 2025 |
Spring Intake | November 1, 2024 |
2) Graduate Deadlines:
| Intake Season | Deadlines |
|---|---|
Fall Intake | Jan 5, 2025 |
Q: What is the Parsons School of Design application fee?
When applying for Parsons School of Design admissions, all international students are required to pay the application fee. Listed below is the Parsons School of Design application fee, as per the choice of course:
| Course Level | Application Fee |
|---|---|
Undergraduate | USD 75 (INR 6.3 K) |
| Graduate | USD 50 (INR 4.2 K) |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.98
Q: How can undergraduate students get into Parsons School of Design?
In order to secure an admission, all international undergraduate students are required to fulfill the Parsons School of Design admission requirements listed below:
- Completed online application along with USD 75 = INR 6,234* application fee;
- Unofficial transcripts, mark sheets, or academic record for each institution attended;
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Essays;
- Letters of recommendation (LOR); and
- Standardized test scores: SAT/ACT (not mandatory).
*1 USD = INR 83.13
Q: How can I get admission in Parsons School of Design?
Below is the application process for Parsons School of Design for international studnets:
Step 1: Applicants are requested to apply through common application portal.
Step 2: Applicants must complete all required fields and upload materials before their final submission of the applications.
Step 3: However Parsons and Parsons paris applicants must submit their portfolio through the online application center.
Step 4: If applicants are planning to apply using a school email address, then they must confirmto receive email from The New School Parsons. Some schools block email from outside their domains.
Q: What are the Parsons School of Design admission requirements for graduate students?
In order to secure an admission, all international graduate students are required to fulfill the Parsons School of Design admission requirements listed below:
- Completed online application along with USD 50 = INR 4,156* application fee;
- Mark sheets, or academic record for each institution attended;
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Statement of purpose (SOP);
- Letters of recommendation (LOR);
- Resume/CV;
- Portfolio; and
- Interview (determined upon the review of application).
*1 USD = INR 83.13
Parsons School of Design Fees
Parsons School of Design fees for international students: Studying at the university can be considered expensive for Indian students as the first-year Parsons School of Design fees for undergraduate courses are around INR 46 L - 48 L. Whereas, the annual tuition fee for postgraduate courses is around INR 29 L - 49 L.
Parsons School of Design Cost of Living for International Students
Listed below is the breakdown of Parsons School of Design cost of living for international students:
| Particulars | Cost of Living | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 16,000 | INR 13.4 L |
| Meal Plan | USD 2,850 | INR 2.4 L |
| TOTAL | USD 18,850 | INR 15.8 L |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.98
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
BFA(8 courses) | INR 46 L - 48 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
MS(4 courses) | INR 29 L - 49 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 49 L | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
MIM(1 course) | INR 49 L | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
M.A.(2 courses) | INR 39 L - 49 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
MFA(3 courses) | INR 31 L - 49 L | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
BBA(1 course) | INR 46 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(1 course) | INR 46 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
M.Arch(1 course) | INR 49 L | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 92 & Above, PTE: 63 & Above |
Others UG(1 course) | INR 46 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 53 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: Does Parsons School of Design require IELTS score for admissions?
Parson School of Design admission requirements for international students comprise English exam scores as one of the major entry requirements. Parsons School accepts major English proficiency exam scores as a proof of proficiency in the language and students can refer to the table below for minimum score requirements, as per the course level:
| English Proficiency Exam | Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
Overall score of 7.0 or higher | |
Overall score of 92 or higher | |
Overall score of 63 or higher | |
Overall score of 7.03 or higher |
Q: What is the cost of living at the Parsons School of Design?
Parsons School of Design cost of living for international students comprises accommodation & dining, transportation, and personal expenses. For Indian students, this amount sums up to approx. INR 15 L - 16 L per academic year.
| Particulars | Cost of Living | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 16,000 | INR 13.4 L |
| Meal Plan | USD 2,850 | INR 2.4 L |
| TOTAL | USD 18,850 | INR 15.8 L |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.98
Q: Is it expensive to study at Parsons School of Design?
On an average, the annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at Parsons School of Desgn is around INR 40 L - 45 L, which can be considered expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
BFA (8 courses) | INR 47 L - 49 L |
MS (4 courses) | INR 29 L - 49 L |
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 49 L |
MIM (1 course) | INR 49 L |
MA (2 courses) | INR 39 L - 49 L |
Parsons School of Design Placements
Parsons School of Design placements are one of the major attractions for international students and offer a huge return on investment to graduates of the university.
Parsons School of Design Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
According to the data sourced from the web, the alumni of the institution are currently working with some of the top organizations in the world across multiple industries. Listed below are the details:
- Parsons School alumni members are working at the university campus, and in organizations such as , , , , , , , etc.
- Graduates are working in industries such as Arts & Design, Business Development, Marketing, Media & Communications, Operations, etc.
- Some of the courses preferred by the alumni are Visual Communications, Fashion/Apparel Design, Graphic Design, Fashion, Communication, etc.
A presentation of the sectors where the alumni of Parsons School of Design are currently working is as follows:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Engineering, Product Management, Consulting, Research, and Entrepreneurship.
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: What are the career opportunities for the Parsons School of Design graduates?
Most of the Parsons School of Design graduates get placed in industries such as Arst & Design, Business Development, Marketing, Media & Communications, Operations, and more, as per the historical data of the university's alumni. Given below is a graphical representation of the top industries in which the Parsons School graduates work:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Engineering, Product Management, Consulting, Research, and Entrepreneurship.
Parsons School of DesignCollege comparison
Compare Parsons School of Design with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
Parsons School of Design | INR 46.48 L - 48.48 L | -/- | -/- |
FIT  Compare | INR 14 L - 18.14 L | -/- | -/- |
NYIT Compare | INR 36.95 L | -/- | -/- |
USC Compare | INR 57.23 L - 60.09 L | A+ | #125 QS, 2025 |
The New School Compare | INR 47.14 L | B+ | #781 QS, 2025 |
SDSU Compare | INR 9.46 L | B | #296 US News, 2024 |
Parsons School of DesignStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Parsons School of Design Notable Alumni
Parsons School of Design has a remarkable alumni network of graduates worldwide, which further adds to its rising popularity. It has proved conducive to launching the dreams of many notable personalities. Some of the well-known names include:
|
Alexander Wang
|
An American Fashion Designer | |
|
Tom Ford
|
An American Fashion Designer & Filmmaker |  |
|
Steven Meisel
|
An American Photographer |  |
|
Paul Rand
|
An American Art Director & Graphic Designer | |
|
Isaac Mizrahi
|
An American Fashion Designer & Actor |
Parsons School of DesignDetails
Parsons School of Design operates on one campus located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. Some of the on-campus housing facilities available at the Parsons School of Design Campus are 24-hour security coverage, dining options, lofted and bunk beds, desk, chair, dresser, wardrobe, wireless internet access, TV in the lounge with basic cable programming, air conditioner, kitchen and bath facilities, electric stove top, microwave oven, refrigerator, reading room, music practice rooms, art studio, exercise room, and much more.
Parsons School of Design Campus Location
Parsons School is located in 66 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Q: Does Parsons School of Design offer on-campus accommodation?
Yes, Parsons School of Design has one campus located in the beautiful Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City an offers on-campus housing facilities to students. Mentioned below are some of the facilities offered to students residing on-campus in Parsons:
| 24-hour Security Coverage | On-campus Dining Options | Lofted & Bunk Beds |
| Desk & Chair | Wardrobe & Dresser | Wireless Internet Access |
| TV in Lounge with Basic Cable Programming | Air Conditioner | Kitchen & Bath Facilities |
| Electric Stove Top | Microwave Oven | Refrigerator |
| Reading Room | Music Practice Rooms | Art Studio |
Q: How much does Parsons School of Design cost per year for an international student living on campus?
Parsons School of Design provides on-campus accommodation for their international students, with a variety of amenities. Listed below is the breakdown of Parsons School of Design cost of living for international students:
| Particulars | Cost of Living | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 16,000 | INR 13.4 L |
| Meal Plan | USD 2,850 | INR 2.4 L |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.98
Parsons School of Design FAQs
Q: What is Parsons School of Design known for?
Parsons School of Design is exclusively famous for courses in the field of Art & Design, Fashion, Media, Design Management, Visual Arts, Urban Design. It is interesting to note that Parsons was the first school to offer a degree course teaching the tenants of design thinking: the MS in Strategic Design and Management.
Q: What are the benefits of attending Parsons School of Design?
Parsons School of Design is one of the best universities in USA for Art & Design courses and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some of the benefits of attending Parsons:
- Academic excellence and a prestigious degree taught by renowned faculty members;
- Exposure to a diverse learning environment and cultures, that widens the perspective of students;
- Access to a range of resources, such as the state-of-the-art technology and equipment, galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions;
- Networking opportunities; and
- Variety of generous scholarships and grants offered.
Q: Is FIT or Parsons School of Design a better school for fashion design?
FIT and Parsons School of Design are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of FIT and Parsons School of Design. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
FIT | #101-150 | 51% | BFA in Fashion Design: INR 18.03L MFA in Fashion Design: INR 19.06L
|
| Parsons School of Design | #141 | 63% | BFA in Fashion Design: INR 46 L MFA in Fashion Design: INR 30 L - 49 L
|
(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MBA course for PG)
Parsons School of Design
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 9 months ago
Parsons School of Design is very selective when it comes to admissions, hence students must be academically excellent along with having a creative spirit in order to secure their spot in the university. Strong academic records, an impressive portfolio, and a personal statement are required to meet t
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
Parsons School of Design offers study programs in the field of Art & Design, Fashion, Media, Design Management, Visual Arts, Urban Design and more for their international audience on the undergraduate and graduate levels, along with associate’s degrees for professionals. Annual tuition fees required
Contributor-Level 10
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Parsons School of Design
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Parsons School of DesignLocation
| University City | New York, New York, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 86,22,697 |
Parsons School of DesignCampuses
66 West 12th Street New York, NY 10011
Visit official siteParsons School of DesignContact Information
66 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10011
New York
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