10 Affordable Online Fashion Degrees (2025)

The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and with it, the educational pathways that lead to success in this glamorous industry.

An affordable online fashion degree has become a sought-after option for many aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts.

The digital age has made it relatively easy to obtain these degrees from the comfort of our homes.

To aid your journey, we've curated a list of affordable online fashion degree programs to help you make an informed decision.

List of Affordable Fashion Degrees Online

The fashion industry is vast, as are its educational opportunities. Below, we've highlighted some top affordable online fashion degree programs that won't break the bank.

1. The Academy of Art University

The School of Fashion at the Academy of Art University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in fashion design, providing students with a comprehensive education to excel in the fashion industry.

The program covers various specializations, including design, knitwear design, textile design, costume design, footwear and accessory design, and fashion styling.

Students can choose to emphasize either fashion design or 3D design pattern making, gaining skills in design, artistic production, and cutting-edge technology to bring their creative visions to life.

2. Sam Houston State University

The Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising at SHSU Online provides a comprehensive education in the fashion industry.

Students can intern or work with fashion companies such as Neiman Marcus, Target, and Macy's. Exciting experiences like New York Fashion Week and study abroad programs in Italy are available.

Courses are offered in 7.5-week schedules, ensuring flexibility and small class sizes with 24/7 support.

Each credit hour costs $463.60. Your degree signifies your expertise and accomplishments in the field.

3. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in textiles, apparel, and merchandising, allowing you to design your career and prepare for the merchandising industry.

The program is taught by dedicated full-time faculty with diverse professional experiences, providing you with a strong foundation for your career.

You'll also gain hands-on experience through internships and have opportunities to network in your field.

Potential careers include retail buying, fashion promotion, visual merchandising, and personal shopping. The cost is $9,712.00 for 12-18 credit hours.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in fashion merchandising and creative design program.

The program has 120 credit hours and typically takes around 3.5 years. This program allows for transferring up to 75% of the total degree credits.

The curriculum includes eight-week courses and provides the flexibility needed for online learning.

Graduates can pursue careers as fashion designers, merchandisers, managers in high fashion stores, stylists for celebrities, and more. The cost per credit hour for this program is $390.

5. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online bachelor's in fashion merchandising.

The program comprises 120 credit hours and covers various aspects of the fashion industry, including planning, procurement, marketing, and e-commerce.

It equips students with the skills to succeed in retail, wholesale, or manufacturing roles.

Whether completing 30 credits online or pursuing the full degree, ODU provides a comprehensive curriculum to prepare students for the fashion business.

In-state Virginia residents pay $393 per credit hour for tuition, while out-of-state students pay $423 per credit hour.

6. Atlantic International University

Atlantic International University offers a unique online bachelor's in fashion design (BA) program, emphasizing technical expertise and theoretical knowledge in the fashion and design industries.

Students develop skills in research, concept development, fashion illustration, materials knowledge, patternmaking, and garment construction.

This flexible program allows students to tailor their curriculum based on individual strengths, weaknesses, and career goals.

The cost is $250.00 per undergraduate credit.

7. Rocky Mountain College

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design offers an exciting online fashion design program that transforms your creative passion into a fashion design career.

In this program, you'll build a fashion portfolio, learn innovative design techniques, and develop essential product development, sales, and marketing skills.

Graduates possess strong communication and business skills and have a unique artistic vision.

The program costs $712 per credit hour and is available online.

8. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University's online Bachelor of Science in fashion business and entrepreneurship program equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in the fashion industry.

With a focus on fashion leadership and business principles, this program prepares you to start your own fashion business potentially.

You'll delve into various topics such as digital fashion marketing, luxury branding, costume history, buying, and sustainability.

This 100% online program spans three to four years, totaling 120 credit hours, costing $495 per credit.

9. Johnson & Wales University

Earn a 100% online Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising and retailing in just four years with eight-week courses.

Benefit from a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a career-focused curriculum that delivers a 95.4% career outcomes rate.

Whether you aspire to roles in retail management, fashion showroom management, merchandise buying, visual merchandising, fashion marketing, or more, this program prepares you for success.

Tuition is $495 per 1.0 credit or $1,485 per 3.0 credit course.

10. LIM College

LIM College offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in fashion merchandising, blending creative passion with business acumen.

This program, available both on-campus and online, equips you with the skills to identify trends, create product lines, and understand consumer behavior.

LIM College ranks among the Top 10 Fashion Management Schools in the U.S.

The BBA in fashion merchandising is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) with a per-credit rate of $646.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Cost?

The cost of pursuing an online bachelor's degree in fashion can vary significantly based on the institution and the specific program.

For instance, the estimated undergraduate expenses for online students range from $22,086 to $57,000.

In contrast, a traditional degree in fashion costs around $36,000 on average. Also, students can explore public universities in their home state to benefit from in-state tuition rates.

Many state universities offer affordable fashion design courses while ensuring a quality education, leading to promising career opportunities.

Additionally, students can consider taking elective classes at community colleges and transferring credits to a design school, which can be cost-effective.

However, it's crucial to ensure the credits are transferable before choosing this route.

How To Make an Online Fashion Degree Affordable

While we've focused on affordable programs, we understand that 'affordable' can be relative. For some, even these options might stretch their budget.

Here are some ways to make your online fashion degree even more affordable:

• Scholarships: Many institutions offer scholarships based on merit or need.
• Financial Aid: Check if you qualify for federal or state financial aid.
• Payment Plans: Some schools offer monthly payment plans.
• Work-Study Programs: Earn while you learn.
• Transfer Credits: Transfer prior credits to reduce course load and cost.
• In-State Tuition: Some online programs offer in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students.
• Employer Reimbursements: Some employers might cover a portion of your tuition.
• Attend Part-Time: Spreading out your courses can spread out the cost.

Is an Online Fashion Degree Worth It?

In the dynamic world of fashion, a degree can be the key to unlocking numerous career opportunities, from design and merchandising to journalism and marketing.

Opting for an online fashion degree offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and schedule.

Secondly, the diverse course offerings ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The online modality also facilitates global networking, connecting students with peers and professionals worldwide.

Moreover, online degrees often come at a more affordable price than their on-campus counterparts, and the technological edge gained can be invaluable in the modern fashion industry.

While the value of such a degree can be subjective, considering the industry's growth trajectory and the perks of an affordable online fashion degree, it's a promising investment for many.

Find an Affordable Degree in Fashion Online Today

In the ever-evolving realm of fashion, staying updated and educated is paramount. An affordable online fashion degree not only offers flexibility and convenience but also opens doors to a surfeit of opportunities in the industry.

Whether you're an aspiring designer, marketer, or fashion journalist, making an informed choice now can set the foundation for a thriving career ahead.