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 asks you to pay close to $37,514 a year for a fashion-focused business degree, and the payoff is thin. Median earnings ten years out land under $59,000, which is respectable on paper, but that figure sits well above what any single bachelor's program here actually reports. The programs that define this school pay a lot less than the school-wide median suggests.
Business Administration is the strongest bet on campus at roughly $46,000, followed by Specialized Sales and Merchandising and then Marketing. Design and Applied Arts is the weakest, paying the least while carrying the highest debt of any program listed here. If design is what draws you to LIM, know that you would borrow the most and earn the least. Even the top earner here barely clears $46,000, so no major on this list clears the school's own median.
The specific risk is the New York City price tag layered on a for-profit school where only 53% of students graduate and a third don't return after year one. You are paying Manhattan-level costs to enter fashion, retail, and merchandising jobs that concentrate in a crowded, low-paying local market. Median debt of $24,000 is manageable only if you finish and land the business or sales roles, not the design ones.
The net price barely bends by income. Families under $30,000 still pay nearly $35,000, and the discount between the lowest and highest income tiers is small. There is little need-based relief here, so if your family income is low, LIM offers you almost no break.
This school fits you if you want a business or merchandising career tied directly to the fashion industry and can graduate on time. If you want design work, or you need aid to make the price workable, look elsewhere.
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.