FAQ
How much does it cost?
Our classes are $1,335 each regardless of whether you are a full-time or part-time student. International students are required to study full-time at SFD and International tuition is $17,000 annually. Our Teen Fashion Clinics vary in price from session to session. Please see the Teen Fashion Clinic page for current information.
All classes will also require supplies to be purchased. Supply costs vary per class. You can view our current required supplies list on our registration site.
Supplies for a first-year student are approximately $1,200 for the year.
Where are you located?
31 St James Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02116
The building is located around the corner from the Arlington Street stop on the Green Line and a few blocks away from the Back Bay stop on the Orange Line and commuter rail.
What are your building hours?
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Do you offer classes in Spanish?
No, all of our classes are taught in English by our expert faculty in our studio workspaces.
Can I attend part-time or just take one class?
Students may elect to attend full- or part-time.
You may take a class or two without being enrolled in the full program.
How long is the SFD program?
If enrolled full time, the Certificate Program can be completed within two years.
What level of certification do I receive at SFD?
SFD is a hands-on studio school offering a 2-year Certificate in Fashion Design. This is similar to getting a technical degree from a vocational school.
Some students elect to stay a third year to do an independent study in a concentration of his or her choice (ex: bridal, sportswear, children’s wear, menswear, swimwear, lingerie, etc), partnered with one of our expert faculty in that field.
How to online courses work?
Our online classes and workshops take place synchronously or asynchronously.
Synchronous classes meet at a scheduled time over a video conferencing platform, like Zoom. The instructor will give presentations, lectures, and do live demonstrations just like they would in a traditional in-person class.
Asynchronous classes consist of written lessons, presentations, and videos that students access through our online learning platform on their own schedule. Instructors will offer weekly office hours by video conference to answer questions and will also be available by email. Typically there will be assignments due each week, similar to a traditional in-person class. Be sure to read the descriptions of the course closely for the required online meeting times.
When can I begin taking classes?
New semesters begin each September, January and June.
What experience do I need? Do I need a portfolio to enroll?
You must be a high school graduate or have your GED
No previous sewing or fashion experience required.
No portfolio required (although we welcome work samples if you have them)
Applicants need to submit:
• Your online application
• Nonrefundable application fee
• Full-time students should also supply high school or college transcripts, one letter of reference, and book an appointment for a personal interview (if residing within 100 miles of SFD)
• International students need to first complete an online application to activate the VISA process with SFD
Please refer to the admissions page for details.
I am an International Student – how do I apply?
We enroll students from around the globe!
International students need to first complete an online application to activate the VISA process with SFD.
You will need to submit certain required financial documents, such as a bank statement, verifying your ability to reside in the US for at least one year.
Online courses do not require that international students have a VISA.
Please refer to the admissions page for details or email admissions@sfdboston.org to get started.
What are the best classes to start?
To get started, we recommend our three foundation courses; Fashion Sketching, Patternmaking I, and Sewing Construction I. If you are studying full-time, you may then also take two additional electives.
How much work will I have?
For every classroom hour, full time students are expected to do roughly two hours of homework; full time first-year students should expect roughly 25 hours/wk of homework. If you are working full or part-time, we recommend you take classes at SFD on a part-time basis as well.
Do I need to have my own sewing machine?
Students may work at the school during posted hours, but it is recommended that students have their own machine at home. For online classes, you must have access to your own sewing machine.
Does SFD offer financial aid?
SFD is a studio school focused on fashion design. We do not require students to take English and Math, therefore, we do not accept Federal Financial aid; however,
We do offer several unique scholarships of our own.
You can be a part time student and still receive a scholarship.
SFD tuition is reasonably set with student expenses in mind, and the school offers a paced payment plan for tuition. Students taking courses full time are generally able to complete the program in only two years. Students completing our program should not expect to carry student loan debt upon graduation.
What is the course refund policy?
Please refer to the current tuition agreement and refund policy.
What is my career outlook after attending SFD?
At SFD, we are committed to excellence in educating students in the complete fashion design process, from creation and innovation to comprehensive technical expertise, so that you are prepared to become a leader in the global fashion design industry. You are strongly encouraged to complete an internship. The school assists students in finding internships. While studying at SFD, you are starting your own network of professional contacts in the fashion industry. See our Careers and Alumni pages for more information about life after SFD.