There are two sizable schools in Arkansas that offer different types of fashion degrees: Harding University and the University of Arkansas. Overall, the average cost of tuition in Arkansas is $11,397. However, tuition at the University of Arkansas is about $8,000 less than Harding University.
No matter which fashion field you want to go into, there are many scholarship opportunities. Savvy Kids offers scholarships of $4000 and $2500 to Arkansas fashion students that produce award-winning designs. With an average acceptance rate of 69%, you have a good chance of getting into the school you want to attend.
Your career prospects as a fashion graduate depend on your education level and what degree you earn. However, most jobs are found in retail stores, design companies, and marketing or merchandising companies. Some of the most important fashion employers in Arkansas are Windsor Fashions, Express, and Acumen Brands Inc. The unemployment rate in Arkansas is 7.4%, and it has remained stable since July 2013.
Salaries vary widely in fashion careers. Experience is very important in this field, so your earning potential will likely increase as you gain more experience. Fashion designers earn an average salary of $67,720 per year, and merchandise displayers earn an average salary of $30,520 (BLS, 2012). Marketing specialists earn, on average, $61,180 per year (BLS, 2012).
Best Fashion Schools in Arkansas for 2025
Arkansas offers several institutions with programs in fashion design and related fields. Below is a list of notable fashion schools in the state, along with key information for each:
1. University of Arkansas
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development
- Official Website: University of Arkansas Apparel Studies
- Admission Schedule: Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Specific deadlines can be found on the Admissions page.
- Campus Area: Approximately 718 acres
- Accommodation Charges: Detailed information is available on the University Housing page.
- On-Campus Jobs: Various student employment opportunities are listed on the Career Development Center page.
- Scholarships: Details are provided on the Scholarships and Financial Aid page.
2. Harding University
- Program Offered: Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising
- Official Website: Harding University Fashion and Interiors Merchandising
- Admission Schedule: Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring semesters. Specific deadlines are on the Admissions page.
- Campus Area: Approximately 350 acres
- Accommodation Charges: Information is available on the Housing page.
- On-Campus Jobs: Various student employment opportunities are listed on the Career Services page.
- Scholarships: Details are provided on the Scholarships page.
3. Arkansas Fashion School
- Program Offered: Fashion Design Program
- Official Website: Arkansas Fashion School
- Admission Schedule: Applications are accepted year-round. Specific information is available on the Admissions Process page.
- Campus Area: Located in Little Rock; specific campus area not specified
- Accommodation Charges: Arkansas Fashion School does not offer on-campus housing.
- On-Campus Jobs: Information not specified.
- Scholarships: Information not specified.
Sources:
- University of Arkansas Apparel Studies: https://human-environmental-sciences.uark.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors/apparel-merchandising.php
- Harding University Fashion and Interiors Merchandising: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/sciences/family-consumer-sciences/fashion
- Arkansas Fashion School: https://www.arkansasfashionschool.edu/