O'More College of Design

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Welcoming campus environment
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at O'More College of Design revolves around creative work that blurs the boundary between academic obligations and personal passion. When 179 students share a small campus focused on design disciplines, the community becomes immersive in ways that larger institutions cannot replicate. Late nights in the studio are shared experiences rather than solitary struggles, and critiques develop into conversations that continue over coffee or dinner downtown. Franklin itself contributes significantly to the quality of student life. The city has earned recognition for its preservation of historic architecture, its flourishing arts scene, and its welcoming small-town atmosphere. Students can walk from campus to restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and venues that host live music throughout the week. The connection to Nashville expands options further, with the city's entertainment industry, design community, and urban amenities accessible via a short drive. Housing options for students include nearby apartments and rental properties in the Franklin area. The small student body means that many people know each other regardless of program or year, creating a cohesive community despite the absence of traditional dormitory life. Student organizations and informal groups organize around shared interests, collaborative projects, and social activities. The college's size means that students cannot remain anonymous. This visibility carries both benefits and responsibilities, as everyone's contributions and commitments become known throughout the community. Students who thrive at O'More typically embrace this intimacy, finding that close relationships with peers and faculty enrich both their educational experience and their preparation for professional creative work.

Location & Surroundings

O'More College of Design occupies facilities in downtown Franklin that provide the specialized spaces required for intensive design education. The urban campus integrates academic buildings with the surrounding community, placing students in an environment rich with architectural history and contemporary creative activity. While compact in scale, the campus contains the studios, workshops, and equipment that students need to develop professional-level work. Interior design studios feature drafting tables, sample libraries, and spaces for building and displaying physical models at various scales. Students have access to materials ranging from fabric swatches to flooring samples that support realistic specification of finishes and furnishings. Computer labs provide the software platforms used throughout the interior design profession, including CAD programs and visualization tools. Fashion design facilities include sewing machines, sergers, and other equipment for garment construction. Pattern drafting tables and dress forms support the technical work of translating designs into wearable pieces. Fabric storage and a resource library help students explore textile options for their collections. Graphic design and visual communications students work in computer studios equipped with current software for print and digital design. Large-format printers, color calibration equipment, and presentation spaces support the production and display of finished work. Photography equipment and studio spaces enable students to capture original imagery for their projects. The campus library maintains collections supporting design history, contemporary practice, and the technical aspects of various creative fields. Study spaces accommodate both individual work and group collaboration. Gallery spaces throughout the campus display student work, visiting exhibitions, and pieces from the college's permanent collection, keeping visual inspiration present throughout the daily experience.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Attending O'More College of Design requires meaningful financial investment, as the private nonprofit institution relies primarily on tuition revenue to fund its specialized educational programs. Annual tuition costs place the college in line with other private design schools, though specific figures vary by academic year and should be confirmed through the admissions office. Beyond tuition, students should budget for housing, meals, transportation, and the materials and supplies required for studio courses. Design education carries particular supply costs that students at traditional liberal arts colleges may not anticipate. Fabric for fashion projects, materials for interior design models, software subscriptions, and printing costs accumulate over the course of a degree program. The college provides guidance on expected expenses and works to make some shared resources available, but students should plan for ongoing investment in their work throughout their studies. Financial aid packages combine federal, state, and institutional resources to help students manage educational costs. The FAFSA application opens access to federal grants and loans based on demonstrated financial need. Tennessee residents may qualify for state grant programs that supplement federal aid. The college itself offers merit-based scholarships recognizing academic achievement, portfolio strength, or other exceptional qualifications. Payment plans allow families to spread tuition costs across the academic year rather than paying lump sums at the start of each semester. Work-study positions provide some students with on-campus employment that contributes modestly to living expenses while offering flexible scheduling around class times. Students should work closely with the financial aid office throughout their enrollment, as circumstances change and new opportunities may become available.

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