At $37,514/yr net price, LIM College graduates earn $58,956/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,956/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,514 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $150,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,956/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,956/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $34,976/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $34,711/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,462/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,508/yr |
| $110,001+ | $40,413/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,321 | |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $45,215 | $24,429 |
| Marketing. | Master | $44,971 | $41,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,863 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $43,575 | $36,169 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $39,585 | $26,915 |
The Risk Factor
53.0% of students at LIM College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
LIM College delivers below-average financial returns despite its New York location and fashion industry connections. With median 10-year earnings of $58,956 against a net price of $37,514 annually, you face a challenging payback period that stretches longer than most graduates would prefer.
The college's specialized focus creates uneven outcomes across programs. Business Administration graduates earn around $46,321, while Marketing majors see starting salaries in the low-to-mid $40,000s. These numbers fall short of what you need to comfortably service debt in New York's expensive job market. The debt loads vary dramatically by program, with some Marketing graduates carrying $41,000 while others manage just $23,250.
LIM's 53% graduation rate signals academic risk, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their degrees. The 68% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the program may not meet their expectations. For a for-profit institution charging premium prices, these completion numbers should concern you.
This school works best if you have specific fashion industry connections, family financial support that minimizes borrowing, or clear career plans that leverage LIM's New York retail network. The college makes financial sense only if you can graduate with minimal debt and land positions that pay above the median ranges shown.
You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, lack industry connections, or want stronger academic support systems. Traditional public universities offer better value for general business education, while established private colleges provide superior career services and alumni networks for similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LIM College worth the cost for fashion and business majors?
LIM College's specialized focus on fashion business can pay off for the right students, but the numbers are mixed. Most business programs lead to starting salaries around $44,000-$46,000, which may not justify the $37,500 annual cost unless you secure strong financial aid.
What is the return on investment for LIM College graduates?
LIM College graduates earn a median of $58,956 ten years after graduation, but with a 53% graduation rate, many students don't finish. The school's focus on fashion and retail management creates value for students who complete their programs and enter those specific industries.
How much debt do LIM College students typically graduate with?
LIM College graduates have a median debt of $24,000, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. However, the relatively low starting salaries in fashion retail mean debt-to-income ratios can still be challenging for new graduates.
Are LIM College programs worth it compared to other business schools?
LIM College offers specialized training for fashion and retail careers that larger business schools don't provide. The trade-off is lower overall earning potential compared to traditional business programs, making it worth it primarily for students committed to fashion industry careers.