Pratt Institute, located in Brooklyn, New York, is a highly regarded private university that is well known for its programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, and Illustration. It provides the traditional residential campus experience with heavy focus on studio-based, hands-on learning.Pratt acceptance rate of about 53% . In international subject rankings, Pratt consistently ranks as one of the top U.S. art and design schools, with special strength in architecture and design fields.
Parsons, based in Manhattan, New York City, is among the best-ranked design schools in the world, often ranked in the top 3 worldwide for Art & Design. It is particularly well-known for Fashion Design, Communication Design, Strategic Design, and Media Arts. Parsons acceptance rate of about 63%. Its international popularity makes it a popular pick for students aiming for fashion, design innovation, and media careers.
| Pratt Institute | Parsons School of Design | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 1201 QS World University 2026 # 328 Forbes 2019 | - |
| Subject Strength | - | - |
| Programs | UG Programs -21 PG Programs -21 | |
| Acceptance Rate | 53.0 % | 63.0 % |
| Exam Score | SAT-1040 | - |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 51754 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 53340 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 30520 Per Year | - |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.1/10 Read 4 reviews | - |
| General Facts | Pratt Institute | Parsons School of Design |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | College |
| Established | 1887 | |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | :1 |
| Hostel | #On campus - $12020 #Off campus (not with family) - $15500 #Off campus (with family) - $3000 | - |
Pratt Institute vs Parsons School of Design (The New School)
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Pratt Institute: Ranked 1201-1400 globally for Art & Design (QS 2026), Pratt is famous for Architecture, Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Digital Arts. .Parsons School of Design (The New School): Ranked801-850 for Art & Design (QS 2026), Parsons is a global leader in Fashion Design, Communication Design, Interior Design, and Product Design.
General Information
Pratt, established in 1887 in Brooklyn, New York, has ~5,000 students, providing a studio-driven, practice-based education that combines creativity with research in design and architecture. Parsons, established in 1896 and a part of The New School in Manhattan, has ~7,500 students and focuses on interdisciplinary learning, global collaboration, and industry partnerships in New York's capital of design.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Pratt is selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 53%, needing strong portfolios for entrance in design and architecture programs. Parsons is more competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 63%, and is extremely selective for Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Strategic Design & Management programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
Pratt provides cutting-edge studios, fabrication labs, and the Pratt Manhattan Center. It focuses on sustainability, fine arts, and creative technologies. Parsons, with Greenwich Village facilities, includes design labs, industry collaborations (with L'Oréal, Google, and IBM), and a solid focus on innovation, social responsibility, and global design practices.
Cost & Financial Aid
They are both expensive, private art and design schools. They are similarly priced for tuition, but both have merit-based scholarships, need-based assistance, and portfolio-based grants. Parsons has possibly more company-funded opportunities because it has good fashion and corporate relationships, while Pratt has more grants that specifically aim at creative research and studio practice.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Pratt graduates stand out in architecture, fine arts, industrial design, and digital media, and they tend to be leaders in architecture companies, galleries, and design industries. Parsons graduates are renowned internationally in fashion, communication design, product design, and creative entrepreneurship, and they include illustrious names in fashion such as Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford.
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