Ringling College of Art and Design vs Fashion Institute of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary areas of focus at Ringling College of Art and Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)?

  Ringling College of Art and Design excels in visual arts, design, and animation, offering programs like Illustration, Game Art, and Computer Animation. FIT, on the other hand, specializes in fashion, design, business, and technology related to the fashion industry. Think of Ringling as a hub for creating visual narratives and immersive experiences, while FIT is the go-to for all things fashion and its related industries.

• Where are Ringling College of Art and Design and FIT located, and how does location impact the student experience?

  Ringling College is located in Sarasota, Florida, offering a campus environment with a focus on artistic immersion and a more relaxed, coastal lifestyle. FIT is situated in the heart of New York City, providing students with unparalleled access to industry professionals, internships, museums, and the vibrant cultural scene of NYC. The location significantly shapes the student experience, with Ringling offering a more contained, campus-centric feel and FIT providing direct immersion into the fashion world.

• What types of programs are offered at Ringling College of Art and Design versus FIT?

  Ringling College offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in areas like Animation, Film, Illustration, and Game Art. FIT offers a wider range of degree types, including Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Master's degrees, focusing on fashion design, fashion business management, textile development, and related fields. If you're looking for a focused BFA in visual arts, Ringling is a strong choice. If you want a broader range of options within the fashion and design industries, FIT is a better fit.

• How do the career opportunities and industry connections differ between Ringling College and FIT?

  Ringling College has strong ties to the animation, gaming, and entertainment industries, with graduates often finding work at major studios like Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. FIT boasts extensive connections within the fashion industry, providing students with internship opportunities at top fashion houses, retailers, and design firms. Both colleges actively facilitate career placement, but their industry focus differs significantly.

• What is the general campus culture like at Ringling College compared to FIT?

  Ringling College fosters a close-knit, creative community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and artistic development. The campus environment is generally described as supportive and immersive. FIT, being in New York City, has a more diverse and fast-paced campus culture, reflecting the energy of the city. Students are often highly driven and career-focused, taking advantage of the city's resources and opportunities.

• How do the tuition costs and financial aid options compare between Ringling College and FIT?

  Ringling College, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost compared to FIT, which is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, especially for in-state students. Both colleges offer financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's crucial to research the specific financial aid packages offered by each institution based on your individual circumstances.

• What are the admission requirements and portfolio expectations for Ringling College and FIT?

  Both Ringling College and FIT require a strong portfolio showcasing your artistic abilities and potential. Ringling College places a significant emphasis on the portfolio as a demonstration of your artistic skills and creative vision. FIT's portfolio requirements vary depending on the specific program, but generally focus on demonstrating your design skills, technical abilities, and understanding of the fashion industry. Both schools also consider academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.

• What are the class sizes and faculty-to-student ratios like at Ringling College and FIT?

  Ringling College generally has smaller class sizes and a lower faculty-to-student ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and mentorship. FIT also strives to maintain reasonable class sizes, but due to its larger student population, some classes may be larger than those at Ringling. Both institutions employ experienced faculty members who are often working professionals in their respective fields.

• What resources and facilities are available to students at Ringling College and FIT?

  Ringling College boasts state-of-the-art facilities for animation, film, game art, and other visual arts disciplines, including advanced computer labs, sound stages, and animation studios. FIT offers specialized facilities for fashion design, textile development, and other related fields, including sewing labs, design studios, and a museum dedicated to fashion history. Both colleges provide extensive library resources, career services, and student support services.

• If I'm interested in both art and fashion, which school is a better choice?

  This depends on your specific interests. If you're primarily interested in the *art* of fashion illustration, textile design as an art form, or the visual aspects of fashion presentation, Ringling's illustration or fine arts programs *could* be a good fit, though they don't focus specifically on fashion. However, if you're interested in the broader fashion industry, including design, business, marketing, and technology, FIT is the clear choice. Consider which aspect of art and fashion appeals to you most.