About Fashion Institute of Technology
The financial picture works in students' favor compared to most private art schools. Students pay an average net price of $22,024 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $6,170. Graduates earn a median of $62,696 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $12,000 very manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $127, while 91% of graduates find employment. The numbers prove that fashion education can lead to solid financial returns.
The student body skews heavily female at 82.27%, reflecting industry demographics. With housing for 2,300 students, campus life exists but many students dive straight into the city's creative scene. Only 5.78% receive institutional grants, but the low tuition keeps costs reasonable for a specialized education in one of the world's fashion capitals.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.3%
- Retention Rate
- 89.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,696
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $45,889 |
| Apparel and Textiles. | Bachelor | $43,638 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $42,458 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,689 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $41,076 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $39,369 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $34,526 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Associate | $29,374 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $22,329 |
Campus Life
Women make up 82% of the student body, creating a distinctive campus active focused on creativity and industry connections. Weekends often involve exploring nearby galleries in Chelsea, shopping in SoHo, or attending fashion shows and industry events that FIT students get access to. The school's location means internships at major fashion companies are walking distance away. Students frequently work part-time in retail or fashion to gain experience while studying. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get personal attention from professors who often work in the fashion industry themselves.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,300 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1944
Campus Safety (2023)
64 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Stalking | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–39°F
- July Avg
- 70°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 17.7%
- Women
- 82.3%
- White
- 37.9%
- Black
- 8.7%
- Hispanic
- 23.4%
- Asian
- 12.9%
- In-State Students
- 63.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.3%
Location
- Address
- New York, New York 10001-5992
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,696
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,636
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $127/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Fashion Institute of Technology?
Fashion Institute of Technology accepts 52.8% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized design school. The college draws serious students who understand FIT's reputation as a launching pad for careers in fashion, advertising, and creative industries.
How much does Fashion Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,024 annually at Fashion Institute of Technology. With in-state tuition at just $6,170, this public college offers exceptional value for specialized training that typically leads to $62,696 in median earnings ten years after graduation.
What programs is Fashion Institute of Technology known for?
Fashion Institute of Technology specializes in art, business, design, mass communication, and technology with a fashion industry focus. The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring hands-on instruction from industry professionals in Manhattan's creative center.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology?
Fashion Institute of Technology graduates achieve a 91% employment rate within six years of graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $62,696 ten years post-graduation, with notable success stories including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Carolina Herrera who built fashion empires after studying at FIT.
Where do students live at Fashion Institute of Technology?
Fashion Institute of Technology houses 2,300 students in residence halls that cost $24,623 annually for room and board. The college sits in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, placing students at the heart of New York's fashion and design districts.
Is Fashion Institute of Technology diverse in its student body?
Fashion Institute of Technology enrolls 7,575 students with women comprising 82.3% of the student body, reflecting the gender actives of fashion and design fields. The college draws a diverse population with 37.9% white students, 23.4% Hispanic students, and 12.9% Asian students, while 63.6% come from New York state.
