Parsons School of Design — officially Parsons School of Design at The New School — is one of the world’s most recognized design schools and the most globally famous fashion design program in the United States. For Korean students targeting Parsons, understanding the school’s identity, academic culture, application requirements, and the specific demands of the Parsons Challenge is essential preparation.
What Parsons Is: Identity and Context
Parsons was founded in 1896 as the Chase School, established by American painter William Merritt Chase and colleagues who wanted a more modern, creative approach to art education. In 1970, Parsons merged with The New School — a progressive research university founded in 1919 — creating the unique institutional combination that defines Parsons today.
Parsons is not a standalone art school. It is the art and design college within The New School, which also includes the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, the New School for Social Research, and the College of Performing Arts. This integration gives Parsons students access to cross-disciplinary courses and perspectives unavailable at dedicated art schools like RISD or CalArts.
Key institutional facts:
- Founded: 1896 (as the Chase School)
- Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City
- Total enrollment: 5,000+ students (Parsons-specific enrollment plus The New School)
- International students: ~35% from 116 countries
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 10:1 (127 full-time, 1,000+ part-time faculty)
- QS World Ranking (Art & Design): Top 3 globally (as part of The New School)
The Parsons Educational Philosophy: Design Thinking and Social Responsibility
Parsons’ educational philosophy is built around design as a form of thinking and social engagement — not merely a technical skill. The curriculum consistently emphasizes:
- Design thinking: The ability to approach complex problems through design methods, user research, and iterative prototyping
- Social responsibility: Parsons explicitly integrates sustainability, social justice, and global impact into its design curriculum
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Students work across programs and disciplines, reflecting the reality of contemporary design practice
- Industry connection: Parsons’ Manhattan location creates direct access to the fashion, advertising, branding, and design industries that employ graduates
The Application: What Makes Parsons Unique
The Parsons Challenge (mandatory for all BFA applicants): Every Parsons BFA applicant must complete the Parsons Challenge alongside their portfolio. The Challenge asks applicants to:
- Choose one piece from their portfolio
- Create a new visual work inspired by that piece
- Write a 500-word essay describing how the ideas developed
This component tests design thinking and written articulation simultaneously — making Parsons the only major US art school with this specific mandatory combination of visual and written creative response as part of the application.
Portfolio requirements:
- 8–12 pieces (recently updated from the previous 10–12 range)
- Submitted through the Parsons application portal
- Should demonstrate range, conceptual development, and creative vision
Application platform: Common Application
TOEFL requirement: 92 iBT (or IELTS 7.0)
Application deadline: ~November 1 (ED), ~February 1 (RD)
Parsons Financial Overview
| Component | Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | ~$57,000–$60,000 |
| Housing (on campus) | ~$20,000–$28,000 |
| Dining | ~$5,000–$7,000 |
| Books and supplies | ~$3,000–$4,000 |
| Health insurance | ~$3,000 |
| Total estimated | ~$88,000–$102,000/year |
New York City’s cost of living makes Parsons one of the most expensive total-cost options among major US art schools. Merit scholarships (automatic consideration for all admitted students) can significantly offset this cost.
The Alumni Credential: Fashion, Design, and Global Industry
Parsons’ most famous alumni in fashion: Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler (Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez). In other fields: Alexander Wang also in accessories, and many communication designers and brand strategists whose work shapes global brands.
This alumni network is the most industry-specific selling point of a Parsons education — particularly for fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parsons or RISD better for design? Parsons is stronger for fashion design and communication design in a New York commercial context. RISD is stronger for industrial design, illustration, and broader design disciplines. “Better” depends entirely on creative direction.
Can Korean students apply to Parsons Paris? Yes. Parsons Paris offers a different campus experience (Paris, France) with some of the same programs. Korean students can apply specifically to the Paris campus.
What English score does Parsons require? TOEFL iBT minimum 92, or IELTS 7.0. Duolingo English Test is also accepted.
Royal Blue Art & Design는 압구정에 위치한 유학미술학원으로, 19년간 한국 학생들의 RISD, Parsons, CalArts 등 미국 최상위 미술대학 입시를 도와왔습니다. [상담 문의하기 →]