At $22,024/yr net price, Fashion Institute of Technology graduates earn $62,696/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,696/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,024 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,696/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,696/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,337/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,541/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,077/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,914/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,837/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $45,889 | $19,905 |
| Apparel and Textiles. | Bachelor | $43,638 | $19,500 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $42,458 | $20,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,689 | $15,500 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $41,076 | $23,033 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $19,028 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Associate | $29,374 | $10,500 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Associate | $25,194 | $11,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $22,329 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
83.3% of students at Fashion Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
FIT gives you a mixed financial picture. The school-wide median debt of $12,000 is low, and an 83% graduation rate paired with 89% retention means you're likely to finish what you start. But the program-level earnings tell a harder story: none of the top-paying bachelor's majors clear $46,000 ten years out, well below the $62,696 school-wide median.
That gap matters. Specialized Sales and Merchandising leads at $45,889, with Apparel and Textiles close behind at $43,638. Design and Applied Arts sits at the bottom of this list at $41,076, and it carries the heaviest program debt at $23,033. So the design track pays the least while borrowing the most. Marketing is the smartest debt-to-pay trade here, with $15,500 in debt against nearly $42,000 in earnings.
The risk is specific to fashion and design careers in New York City. You're training for an industry concentrated in one of the most expensive metros in the country, and starting salaries in merchandising, PR, and design don't stretch far there. The school-wide median debt stays manageable, but program debt above $19,000 on a $41,000 salary is tight in Manhattan.
On net price, a family earning under $30,000 pays about $17,300, while a family over $110,000 pays roughly $28,800. The jump from the $48-75k tier ($24,077) to the $75-110k tier ($25,914) is small, so middle-income families won't see much relief for earning more.
FIT fits you if you want a specific fashion, merchandising, or design career and can keep borrowing near the school median. Look elsewhere if you need a degree that reliably clears $50,000 early, especially if you plan to stay in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fashion Institute of Technology worth the cost?
FIT offers solid value with relatively low debt ($12,000 median) and decent 10-year earnings ($62,696). The specialized programs align well with industry needs, though some majors like Design and Applied Arts start at lower salaries around $41,000.
What Fashion Institute of Technology programs have the best ROI?
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations leads with $45,889 starting salaries, followed by Apparel and Textiles at $43,638. Design programs typically start lower at around $41,000, which may extend payback periods.
How much debt do Fashion Institute of Technology graduates typically have?
FIT graduates leave with a median debt of just $12,000, significantly lower than most colleges. This low debt load helps offset the fashion industry's typically modest starting salaries.
Do Fashion Institute of Technology graduates get good jobs after graduation?
FIT has an 83% graduation rate and strong industry connections in New York's fashion district. However, fashion industry salaries tend to be modest early in careers, with most programs starting graduates around $41,000-$46,000.