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For the aspiring costume designer who dreams of creating looks for film, television, theater and concert stages, the journey typically starts with the right school, where a host of considerations awaits. Classroom size, location, specialized classes, participation in theater programs, job placement, networking with alums and, most important, tuition are all part of the equation. As schools meet the demands and technology of an ever-changing entertainment landscape, nothing tops a good education.

To create its annual top 10 list of costume design schools, The Hollywood Reporter consulted with costume designers and academics, looking at the critical factors — including class size, reputation and alumni success — that help make each school unique.

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

Valencia, California

CalArts Mfa costume design student Yi-Lun Chien.

Perhaps co-founder Walt Disney summed it up best, having noted, “CalArts is the principal thinking I hope to leave when I move on to greener pastures.