School and Ranking Information
Prospective fashion design students in Dallas have only two schools to choose from within the city's limits, with one of those being a for-profit institution. Based on school type, student population and number of 2-year degrees conferred, the following college is considered a top Dallas school for fashion design degree programs:
- Winner: El Centro College is the only public institution offering fashion design studies in Dallas. It also awarded the highest number of associate's degrees in fashion design in the Dallas area during the 2012-2013 school year. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Apparel Design at this school.
School Info Chart
| Category | El Centro College |
|---|---|
| Ranking | Named a top military-friendly college in the Military Advanced Education Guide to Colleges & Universities (2015)* |
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| School Type | 2-year, public |
| Tuition & Fees (2019-2020) | Undergrad: $1,770 (in-district); $3,330 (in-state); $5,220 (out-of-state)** |
| Fashion Design Degrees Offered | Associate's |
| Fashion Design Degrees Awarded in 2018-2019 | 13** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2016 Entering Class | 19%** |
| Noteworthy | ECC is the flagship institution of the Dallas County Community College District, one of the largest community college systems in Texas* |
Sources: *El Centro College; **NCES College Navigator
El Centro College
- Fashion design program combines instruction with hands-on learning opportunities
- Fashion design students participate in the college's annual fashion show
- 20:1 school student-to-faculty ratio
El Centro College is a public school located right in downtown Dallas. The community college has a student population of nearly 12,000 individuals each year and offers a fashion design program through its Arts and Sciences Division.
The Associate of Applied Science in Apparel Design program acquaints students with fashion business concepts, fashion career paths, fashion publications and fashion merchandising. Students learn how to identify new style trends and adapt them to their own designs. Some courses cover specific skills relevant to the career, such as ready-to-wear construction, mass production, women's tailoring, color theory application, and marketing accessories and clothing. Students can also pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Pattern Design.
