Wade College

Wade College is a private for-profit college in Dallas, Texas that awards associate and baccalaureate degrees. The college was founded in 1962 as Miss Wade's Fashion Merchandising College and renamed Wade College in 1999. 

Wade College was founded in 1962 in Dallas, Texas, originally established as a private institution focused on providing specialised education in fashion and design. The college was named after its founder, a visionary who recognised the growing demand for skilled professionals in the fashion industry. Initially, Wade College offered diploma and certificate programmes aimed at preparing students for careers in apparel merchandising, design, and retail.

Over the years, Wade College expanded its academic offerings and facilities to include degree programmes in fashion merchandising, interior design, and related fields. The institution gradually developed a reputation for combining practical training with creative instruction, attracting students who sought hands-on experience alongside academic study. It maintained a close connection to the fashion industry through partnerships and internships, which helped graduates enter the workforce effectively.

Today, Wade College continues to operate as a specialised higher education institution, maintaining its focus on fashion, design, and business-related programmes. It offers accredited associate and bachelor’s degrees and has adapted to changes in the industry by incorporating technology and contemporary trends into its curriculum. The college remains committed to providing personalised education in a close-knit community setting, serving students from across the United States and internationally.

Wade College's specialized degree programs are designed to help students make the most of their creativity and passion. Small, lab-focused classes taught by industry experts integrate design, business, and technology to equip them with the tools and confidence you need to launch their future career and make a mark on the world.

All programs emphasize the importance of general education, business core, and specialized study. Complemented by the design, business, and technology coursework at the college, courses in general and core studies help students develop the analytical, written, mathematical, communication, business, and presentation skills necessary to broaden their perspectives and bridge their specialized fields of study with the demands of the larger world of business and industry.

Wade College does not offer a Master of Business Administration program nor is it ranked in global or national MBA rankings. The college is a private, for-profit institution in Dallas, Texas, established in 1962, and it specializes in undergraduate degrees in fields such as Fashion Design, Interior Design, Marketing, and Information Technology . As of 2025, Wade College is not included in major MBA rankings like the QS Global MBA Rankings or U.S. News Best Business Schools .
 

The college's academic offerings are primarily focused on associate and bachelor's degrees, with a strong emphasis on creative and applied disciplines. Wade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), but it does not hold the "triple accreditation" status from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which is typically associated with top-tier MBA programs . Therefore, while Wade College provides specialized education in its chosen fields, it does not participate in global MBA rankings.

Wade College in Dallas, Texas, reports strong employment outcomes for its graduates, especially in fields such as Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Business. For the 2022–2023 academic year, 89% of graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design secured jobs in their field or related professions. Overall, approximately 86% of Wade College graduates were employed two years after completing their studies, with 80% remaining employed six years after graduation.

The college offers comprehensive career support through an exclusive online platform that provides job and internship listings, resume-building tools, and career advice. Students are encouraged to gain practical experience through internships and part-time work, which often lead to full-time positions after graduation. Additionally, Wade College provides personalised career advising focused on resume preparation, interview skills, and job search strategies.

Wade College also maintains a high retention rate, with full-time undergraduates showing a 100% retention rate for the 2022 to 2023 period, and half of the students graduating within four years. Graduates typically earn a median salary of $28,600 two years after graduation, which is above the national average for similar institutions. These outcomes reflect the college's commitment to preparing students for successful employment soon after completing their education.

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2. "Wade College Location". Wadecollege.edu. 
3. "D&M Magazine Summer 2013 p. 2" (PDF). Wadecollege.edu. 
4. Fashion Group International of Dallas: Fashion & Lifestyle Awards ‘Night of Fashion’. JustMax.com. 
5. "CN citizen's fashion school celebrates 50th year". Cherokee Phoenix. 
6. "D&M Magazine". Wadecollege.edu. 
7. "True And False: Life Of The Real Erin Brockovich Is Far From Ideal". Chicago Tribune.