If you’re considering art school in the US, Parsons School of Design is probably on your list. But is Parsons actually a good art school — or is it just well-known? Here’s an honest, complete answer.
Yes, Parsons Is One of the Best Art Schools in the US
Parsons School of Design, part of The New School in New York City, is consistently ranked among the top art and design schools in the world. In the QS World University Rankings for Art & Design, Parsons regularly appears in the global top five — often alongside RISD, the Royal College of Art, and MIT.
But rankings only tell part of the story. Here’s what actually makes Parsons strong.
What Makes Parsons a Good Art School?
New York City as your campus. Parsons sits in the heart of Manhattan. Fashion Week, gallery openings, design studios, advertising agencies, and film productions are not field trips — they’re part of your daily environment. For students who want industry access built into their education from day one, no school in the world offers what Parsons does.
Exceptional design programs. Parsons is particularly renowned for fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and strategic design. Its BFA in Fashion Design is widely considered the best in the US, and its alumni include Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, and Alexander Wang.
The Parsons Challenge. Unlike most art schools, Parsons requires applicants to complete a creative project called the Parsons Challenge — a two-part assignment that tests conceptual thinking and visual communication. This process selects for students who think, not just those who can draw.
Strong industry connections. Parsons has deep ties to the fashion, design, media, and technology industries. Internship placements, studio visits, and guest critics from top firms are a regular part of the curriculum.
A diverse, international student body. Parsons is one of the most internationally diverse art schools in the US. Korean students in particular have a strong presence and a long track record of success at Parsons.
How Does Parsons Compare to Other Top Art Schools?
| Parsons | RISD | CalArts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | New York City | Providence, RI | Valencia, CA |
| Strongest programs | Fashion, Graphic Design, Interior Design | Fine Art, Industrial Design, Illustration | Animation, Film, Experimental Art |
| Campus feel | Urban, industry-integrated | Tight-knit studio culture | Experimental, community-driven |
| Best for | Design careers, fashion industry | Studio art depth | Conceptual and media arts |
Parsons and RISD are the two schools most Korean students compare when applying to US art schools. The right choice depends on your discipline and the kind of environment where you do your best work. [→ See our full Parsons vs RISD comparison]
Is Parsons Right for You?
Parsons is likely a great fit if:
- You want to study fashion, graphic design, interior design, or product design
- You want to live and work in New York City during your studies
- You learn well in a fast-paced, industry-connected environment
- You’re interested in design as a commercial and cultural practice
Parsons may not be the right fit if:
- You prefer a quieter, more insular studio environment
- Your primary interest is fine art, ceramics, printmaking, or traditional craft — RISD or SAIC may serve you better
- You’re looking for a strong animation or film program — CalArts is the stronger choice there
What Do Parsons Graduates Do?
Parsons alumni work across fashion, branding, interior design, film, technology, and education. Notable graduates include some of the most recognized names in global fashion and design. The school’s location in New York means graduates are already embedded in professional networks before they finish their degree.
Employment outcomes for Parsons graduates are strong, particularly in fashion, branding, and UX design — three fields where the Parsons name carries significant weight with employers.
The Verdict: Is Parsons a Good Art School?
Yes — Parsons is an excellent art school, and for certain disciplines and career paths, it is the best choice in the world. It is particularly dominant in fashion design and offers unmatched access to New York’s creative industries.
Like any school, it’s not the right fit for everyone. But if you’re a design-oriented student who wants to graduate into one of the world’s most competitive creative markets, Parsons belongs at the top of your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parsons hard to get into? Parsons is selective, with an acceptance rate of around 65% overall — but the programs most Korean students apply to, such as fashion design and graphic design, are significantly more competitive. The portfolio and Parsons Challenge carry the most weight. [→ See our complete guide to getting into Parsons]
Is Parsons better than RISD? Neither school is objectively better — they excel in different areas. Parsons leads in fashion and commercial design; RISD leads in fine art and industrial design. The right choice depends on your discipline and learning style. [→ See our Parsons vs RISD comparison]
Is Parsons worth the cost? Parsons is expensive, and financial aid for international students is limited. However, for students in fashion, design, and related fields, the New York location and industry connections offer a return on investment that is hard to find elsewhere. [→ See our guide to Parsons financial aid for international students]
Is Parsons good for Korean students? Yes. Parsons has a large and established Korean student community, and Korean students have a strong track record of success there. [→ See our guide to Parsons for Korean students]