Overview
Fashion Institute of Technology is a moderately selective public four-year institution in New York, New York. The school accepts 52.8% of applicants and enrolls 7,575 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 52.8%
- Total Enrollment
- 7,575
Admission Guide
Your portfolio carries more weight than your grades at Fashion Institute of Technology, so spend months perfecting it rather than cramming for standardized tests. The school requires different portfolio elements depending on your intended major,fashion design applicants need sketches and garment construction samples, while advertising design students submit digital work and branding projects.
FIT operates on rolling admissions, which means you can apply as early as October and hear back within weeks. Submit your application by December to secure the best housing options and scholarship consideration. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science program that you can complete in two years, then transfer into a Bachelor of Fine Arts program if you want to continue.
Your application essay should reference specific FIT resources like the Fashion Business Management program's retail lab or the Museum at FIT's costume collection. Mention professors by name if you've researched their work,faculty members often come directly from major fashion houses and advertising agencies. The school's location in Manhattan's Garment District provides internship opportunities at companies like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, so discuss how you plan to use these connections.
FIT students dress to impress daily, treating campus like a runway for their personal style. You'll fit in if you see clothing as both art and business, not just something to wear. The student body skews heavily female and creative, with intense competition for spots in advanced studios and coveted internships. Networking starts from day one,your classmates become your professional contacts after graduation.
The school's Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations program stands out for its industry partnerships and job placement rates. Include this program in your essays if you're interested in the business side of fashion rather than pure design work.
Apply for the Presidential Scholars program if you have strong academics alongside your creative portfolio. This honors program provides smaller class sizes and direct mentorship from industry professionals. Financial aid applications open earlier than most schools, so submit your FAFSA by February to maximize your aid package.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $22,024/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $6,170
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $16,750
- Students Receiving Aid
- 32%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,696/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 89.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fashion Institute of Technology require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
FIT is test-optional, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not required for most programs. Some specialized programs may have different requirements, so check your specific major's admission criteria.
What is the application deadline for Fashion Institute of Technology?
FIT has rolling admissions for most programs, with priority deadlines typically in January for fall admission. Apply early since some popular programs fill quickly and may close before the final deadline.
Can you transfer to Fashion Institute of Technology from another college?
Yes, FIT accepts transfer students and many programs are designed for students transferring after completing an associate degree. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and may need to complete prerequisite courses depending on their intended major.
Does Fashion Institute of Technology require a portfolio for all majors?
Portfolio requirements vary by program at FIT. Art and design majors typically need portfolios, while business programs like fashion merchandising usually do not. Check the specific requirements for your intended major on the admissions page.