The Design Prodigy: Where Is Joanna Gaines' Daughter Ella Attending College Now?

The Gaines family is officially navigating the world of higher education, and the biggest news as of late 2025 is the college journey of their eldest daughter, Ella Gaines. Following in the footsteps of her older brother, Drake Gaines, Ella has flown the nest to pursue her passion, marking a significant and emotional transition for the entire family, particularly for her mother, Joanna Gaines. This new chapter has not only taken Ella to a major metropolitan city but has also seen her begin to forge her own path in the design world, even while balancing her demanding college coursework.

The transition to college for Ella, who turned 19 in October, was a widely discussed topic among fans of the Magnolia founders. The details of her new life—from the prestigious institution she is attending to her major and even her debut on the family's hit show—are now coming to light, providing a fresh and unique update on the next generation of the Gaines dynasty.

Ella Gaines: A Budding Designer's Biography and College Profile

Ella Rose Gaines is the second eldest of Chip and Joanna Gaines' five children and their first daughter. Her move to college represents a major milestone for the family, who are based in Waco, Texas. Her journey into adulthood is proving that the design gene runs strong in the family.

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• Full Name: Ella Rose Gaines
• Parents: Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines
• Siblings: Drake Gaines (older brother), Duke Gaines, Emmie Kay Gaines, and Crew Gaines (younger siblings)
• Date of Birth: October 20, 2006 (Age 19 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Waco, Texas
• High School Graduation: May (Year not specified, but prior to August 2025 start)
• College Enrollment: August 2025
• Reported University: Parsons School of Design (The New School)
• Reported College Location: New York City, New York
• Implied Major: Interior Design or a related creative field
• Professional Debut: Designer on Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House

The Prestigious New York School and Ella's Design Focus

The speculation surrounding Ella Gaines' college choice has been put to rest by recent reports. Ella is reportedly attending the highly prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City. This move from the quiet, familiar surroundings of Waco, Texas, to the bustling environment of NYC is a bold leap for the young designer, emphasizing her commitment to a high-level creative career.

Parsons School of Design, part of The New School, is one of the most respected art and design institutions in the world. Its rigorous programs in interior design, fashion, and architecture suggest that Ella is pursuing a major that directly aligns with the aesthetic and entrepreneurial spirit of her parents' Magnolia empire. This educational path is a clear indicator that she is serious about developing her own professional design acumen.

Joanna Gaines has shared that Ella has a distinct, unique design style that is entirely her own, separate from the signature "Fixer Upper" aesthetic. This individuality was immediately evident in her approach to her new living space. One of the early updates fans received was that Ella took the reins in designing her own dorm room, a process that her famous designer mother left entirely up to her.

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This hands-off approach from Joanna allowed Ella to establish her own identity and confidence in a new environment. The move to a major city for her college coursework is not just an academic decision; it's a foundational step in her journey to becoming a professional designer in her own right, away from the shadow of her famous parents.

Balancing College Life with a 'Fixer Upper' Design Debut

What makes Ella's college story truly unique is that she is not just a student; she is also officially a working designer. While balancing her demanding schedule at Parsons, Ella made her professional debut on the family's newest show, Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House. This opportunity allowed her to apply her burgeoning skills in a real-world, high-stakes setting, demonstrating her readiness for the industry.

Working alongside her mother, Ella was given the task of designing a cottage on the property. Joanna Gaines praised her daughter's natural talent, noting how Ella took meticulous notes and had a clear vision for the project. This experience provides an incredible foundation for her future career, giving her practical experience that few college students can claim.

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This dual role—student in New York and designer on the Magnolia Network—highlights the extraordinary path the Gaines children are taking. It shows a seamless blend of traditional education with the hands-on entrepreneurial spirit that Chip and Joanna have always embodied. The exposure on Fixer Upper serves as an early launchpad, giving her a significant advantage as she completes her college coursework.

The Emotional 'Empty Nest' Transition for Chip and Joanna

The departure of Ella for college in August 2025 was an emotional milestone for the Gaines family, particularly for Joanna. The term "empty nest" is becoming a reality for the couple, who now have two children—Drake Gaines and Ella Gaines—attending university.

Joanna has been open about the challenges of letting go, sharing poignant reflections on social media about the changing family dynamic. She noted that sending her daughter off felt different from sending her son, Drake, who is attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and studying business entrepreneurship. The move of her first daughter, and the second child overall, signifies a major shift in the Gaines household, which still has Duke, Emmie Kay, and the youngest, Crew, at home.

The family's public sharing of these personal moments has resonated deeply with fans, making the Gaineses even more relatable. They are navigating the universal experience of watching children grow up and leave home, all while managing a massive business empire. This new chapter is not just about Ella's future; it's about Chip and Joanna embracing the change and finding a new rhythm as parents to college-age students and younger children.

As Ella Gaines continues her college journey at Parsons School of Design, the world is watching to see how the next generation of the Gaines family will shape the future of design and the Magnolia brand. Her trajectory is a fascinating blend of inherited talent, elite education, and a clear, independent vision.