FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

41.7%Acceptance

$34,325Tuition

1,319Students

67%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,840Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

FIDM trains students for careers in fashion, design, and merchandising through hands-on programs that connect directly to the entertainment and fashion industries. The school enrolls 1,319 students on its downtown Los Angeles campus, putting them right in the heart of the fashion district and close to major studios. Notable graduates include wedding dress designer Monique Lhuillier and TV personality Nick Verreos, who both built successful careers after learning the business here.

Students pay an average net price of $41,493 per year, which is steep for a specialized program. However, graduates earn a median of $49,840 ten years after graduation, and the school maintains a 91% employment rate. Monthly loan payments average just $146 because median debt stays relatively low at $13,734. The investment makes more sense when you consider that 67.2% of students graduate within six years, which is solid for a creative field where some students leave early for industry opportunities.

The student body is 83.6% female, reflecting the fashion industry's demographics. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and focused on practical skills. About half the students come from California, while the other half travel from across the country to study in LA's creative center. The quarter system moves quickly, matching the fast pace of the fashion world.

Academics & Faculty

FIDM focuses entirely on fashion and design education, training students for careers in apparel design, merchandising, marketing, and visual communications. The school's quarter system means students move quickly through concentrated coursework in areas like fashion design, graphic design, and fashion marketing. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get hands-on instruction from industry professionals who often work at major fashion houses and entertainment companies. The 71% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's specialized focus, though some students take longer to complete internships that are central to their education. FIDM's location in Los Angeles gives students direct access to the fashion and entertainment industries, with many programs requiring real-world projects with actual companies.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 4.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 71.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,840
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.	Bachelor	$39,009
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.	Associate	$31,920
Apparel and Textiles.	Associate	$30,988
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$27,478
Fine and Studio Arts.	Associate	$24,421
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Associate	$16,169

View all 15 programs →

Campus Life

FIDM sits in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, where students walk between classes surrounded by skyscrapers and the energy of the nation's second-largest city. With 1,319 students on a compact urban campus, you'll know most faces by your second quarter. The school operates on a quarter system, which means faster-paced classes that mirror the quick turnaround times you'll face in the fashion industry.

Since 83.62% of students are women, the campus has a distinctly female-forward energy where students critique each other's latest designs and share internship tips. Most students commute rather than live on campus, which is typical for specialized schools in expensive cities like LA. Weekends often involve hitting up fabric districts, visiting fashion exhibitions, or networking at industry events across the city. The year-round sunshine means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, though studios can get chilly during late-night sewing sessions. With strong industry connections, many students spend weekends at fashion shows, pop-up shops, or working part-time jobs at boutiques and design houses.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–68°F
July Avg: 64°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students here are overwhelmingly women (84% female) who are serious about breaking into fashion and design industries. About half come from California, drawn by the school's deep connections to LA's entertainment and fashion scenes, while the other half travel from across the country to access these same industry networks. The student body reflects the diversity of Los Angeles itself, with significant representation from Hispanic and Asian communities. A quarter receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts ambitious students from various economic backgrounds who see fashion education as their path to creative careers.

Men: 16.4%
Women: 83.6%
White: 29.0%
Black: 7.4%
Hispanic: 25.1%
Asian: 11.7%
In-State Students: 49.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.2%

Location

FIDM sits in downtown Los Angeles, putting students right in the heart of America's second-largest city. The campus is just miles from Hollywood and the fashion district, where many graduates eventually work. Los Angeles offers everything from beaches 30 minutes west to mountains an hour east, but most FIDM students focus on the city's massive entertainment and fashion industries. With 48.97% of students coming from California, many are already familiar with LA's traffic, high cost of living, and year-round sunshine. The urban setting means internships and networking opportunities are everywhere, but housing costs can be steep. Students considering colleges in California may also compare FIDM with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Angeles, California 90015-1421

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,840
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,048
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 62.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $146/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,734

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising?

FIDM accepts 41.71% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized fashion school. The school draws students passionate about fashion and design careers, with 83.62% of the student body being women reflecting the industry demographics.

How much does FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $41,493, with tuition set at $34,325 regardless of residency status. Only 26.20% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-income families seeking specialized fashion education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising?

FIDM maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,319 total students, allowing for personalized attention in design studios and workshops. The school operates on a quarter system, enabling intensive, hands-on learning in fashion design, merchandising, and related fields.

What are the career outcomes for FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising graduates?

FIDM boasts a 91.0% employment rate with graduates earning a median of $49,840 ten years after graduation. The school's strong connections to LA's entertainment and fashion industries help students land positions at major brands and studios.

Where is FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising located?

FIDM sits in the heart of Los Angeles, placing students at the center of America's entertainment and fashion capital. Nearly half of students (48.97%) come from in-state, drawn by the school's proximity to Hollywood studios, fashion brands, and industry professionals.

How successful are FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising graduates at repaying their loans?

FIDM graduates have a 62.60% loan repayment rate with manageable monthly payments of $146 and median debt of $13,734. The school's focus on practical skills and industry connections helps graduates secure jobs quickly, with alumni including well-known designers like Monique Lhuillier and Nick Verreos.