QUICK ANSWER
Parsons’ alumni list is long and famous across many fields: Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Anna Sui and Tom Ford in fashion; Paul Rand in graphic design; Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns and Norman Rockwell in fine art; Richard Avedon and Steven Meisel in photography. Ai Weiwei and Google Creative Lab’s Robert Wong are also on Parsons’ own list.
For typical outcomes, The New School reports that 81% of its 2023 graduates were in professional work or further study within their first year. That figure covers the whole university, not Parsons alone, and the page does not state a response rate.
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Who Parsons Lists, by Field
| Field | Alumni named by Parsons |
|---|---|
| Fashion | Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Anna Sui, Tom Ford, Narciso Rodriguez, Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang, Isaac Mizrahi |
| Graphic design and advertising | Paul Rand, Bea Feitler, Robert Wong (Google Creative Lab), Rich Silverstein |
| Fine art | Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Norman Rockwell, Ai Weiwei, Nina Chanel Abney |
| Photography | Richard Avedon, Steven Meisel |
| Illustration | Leo and Diane Dillon, Peter de Sève, Duncan Tonatiuh Smith |
| Digital and UX | Zach Lieberman, Ryan Germick |
From Parsons’ Notable Alumni page, checked October 2026.
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What the Outcome Figure Does and Does Not Say
| The New School reports | Limits |
|---|---|
| 81% of 2023 graduates in professional work or further study within their first year | University-wide, not Parsons alone; response rate not stated; no salary figure |
From The New School Outcomes page, checked October 2026. A separate Parsons outcomes report is linked from that page.
Several alumni on the list studied when the school had earlier names, so the list spans more than a century of the institution. That makes it impressive as history, but not a guide to what a 2027 graduate will do next. For that, ask for the Parsons-specific outcomes report and its response rate.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Parsons’ fashion alumni are its best-known strength, but the list shows depth in graphic design, illustration and photography too. Weigh it against cost: tuition is $62,348 for 2026–27, and in our record 38 of 63 Parsons admits (60%) received an award. See Parsons and The New School and how to read RISD’s alumni claims.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which famous designers went to Parsons?
Parsons lists Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Anna Sui, Tom Ford, Prabal Gurung and Alexander Wang, among many others.
Did any famous artists go to Parsons?
Parsons lists Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Norman Rockwell and Ai Weiwei among its alumni.
What percentage of graduates find work?
The New School reports 81% of its 2023 graduates in work or further study within a year, for the whole university, not Parsons alone.
Does Parsons publish its own outcomes report?
The New School’s outcomes page links to a separate Parsons report; ask for its figures and response rate.
How much does Parsons cost?
Tuition is $62,348 for 2026–27 ($31,174 per semester).
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 63 at Parsons. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From Parsons’ Notable Alumni page and The New School Outcomes page; tuition from The New School (2026–27). Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Parsons and The New School · RISD Alumni · Parsons Portfolio Guide · Parsons vs SVA for Illustration · Royal Blue Results