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FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Set in downtown Los Angeles near the Fashion District, FIDM is known for hands-on, studio-based learning that blends design, merchandising, marketing, and visual storytelling with the nuts-and-bolts of retail and production. Classrooms feel like working studios, with labs, photo spaces, and a resource-rich library. The on-campus museum and galleries deepen the craft. Students tap advising, tutoring, and a career center that doesn't just polish resumes, it curates portfolios.

Campus life skews creative and collaborative: clubs, student showcases, styling teams, and pop-up exhibitions keep the energy up. And when class ends, the city's beaches, galleries, music venues, and street markets are right there. FIDM has a reputation for close industry ties, frequent guest critiques, and internships that lead to real credits on real projects. Traditions include annual student shows and rotating exhibitions. Notable alumni include Monique Lhuillier and Nick Verreos.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, California, 90015, USA
Phone: +1 (213) 624-1200
Website: fidm.edu
Unit ID: 114354

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Quarter system (four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer)
Award Levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Faith-Based
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $34,325 (Tuition $31,725 + Fee $2,600) · Out-of-state: $34,325 (Tuition $31,725 + Fee $2,600)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 1,366
Undergraduate: 1,319
Graduate/Other: 47
Male: 216 Female: 1,150
Applications:
Total Applicants: 412
Admitted: 171
Enrolled: 48
Acceptance: 41.5% Yield: 28.1%
Staff:
Total: 306 Full-time: 83 Part-time: 223

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Business (5)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.1401 Marketing/Marketing Management, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. Includes instruction in buyer behavior and dynamics, principle of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-2011 Advertising and Promotions Managers $149,270 N/A N/A
11-2021 Marketing Managers $171,520 $170,670 -$850 (-0.5%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $107,350 -$53,580 (-33.3%)
11-2033 Fundraising Managers $137,290 $114,710 -$22,580 (-16.4%)
13-1131 Fundraisers $73,130 $69,900 -$3,230 (-4.4%)
13-1161 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $86,480 $74,030 -$12,450 (-14.4%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $124,710 +$10,870 (+9.5%)
52.1902 Fashion Merchandising. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to promote product lines/brands, and organize promotional campaigns, at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing, and supply contracts. Includes instruction in wholesaling, wholesale advertising, selling, and customer relations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
13-1022 Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products N/A N/A N/A
41-4012 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $81,470 $78,740 -$2,730 (-3.4%)
52.9999 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in business, management, marketing and related support services not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Arts (13)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0401 Design and Visual Communications, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that may prepare individuals in any of the applied art media.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $91,000 -$20,450 (-18.3%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $82,500 -$5,500 (-6.3%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $65,070 -$3,540 (-5.2%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $104,970 +$26,520 (+33.8%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $107,060 +$29,060 (+37.3%)
50.0404 Industrial and Product Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via the creation of effective forms, shapes, and packaging for manufactured products. Includes instruction in designing in a wide variety of plastic and digital media, prototype construction, design development and refinement, principles of cost saving, and product structure and performance criteria relevant to aesthetic design parameters.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $82,500 -$5,500 (-6.3%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $65,070 -$3,540 (-5.2%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $107,060 +$29,060 (+37.3%)
50.0407 Fashion/Apparel Design. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional design of commercial fashions, apparel, and accessories, and the management of fashion development projects. Includes instruction in apparel design; accessory design; the design of men's', women's', and children's' wear; flat pattern design; computer-assisted design and manufacturing; concept planning; designing in specific materials; labor and cost analysis; history of fashion; fabric art and printing; and the principles of management and operations in the fashion industry.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-1022 Fashion Designers $122,430 $131,820 +$9,390 (+7.7%)
50.0408 Interior Design. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing of residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications, drafting, and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $135,800 +$25,440 (+23.1%)
27-1025 Interior Designers $71,430 $76,460 +$5,030 (+7%)
50.0409 Graphic Design. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $91,000 -$20,450 (-18.3%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $122,670 -$5,430 (-4.2%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $167,850 +$57,740 (+52.4%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $100,010 +$20,520 (+25.8%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $65,070 -$3,540 (-5.2%)
50.0510 Costume Design. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to design and select costumes for characters in theatre and the performing arts and to serve as part of a production team. Includes instruction in costume design, script analysis, theory and criticism, period styles, history of costume, stage makeup, rendering, and costume construction.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-1022 Fashion Designers $122,430 $131,820 +$9,390 (+7.7%)
50.0602 Cinematography and Film/Video Production. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $133,540 +$31,300 (+30.6%)
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $71,180 -$43,100 (-37.7%)
27-4031 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $79,870 $85,890 +$6,020 (+7.5%)
27-4032 Film and Video Editors $83,530 $99,170 +$15,640 (+18.7%)
Human Sciences (4)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0902 Apparel and Textile Manufacture. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the design, development, and production of textile products and related processes and systems. Includes instruction in functional and aesthetic design, human factors research, production planning, manufacturing processes, quality assessment, and distribution systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1192 Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,450 $161,740 +$77,290 (+91.5%)
27-1022 Fashion Designers $122,430 $131,820 +$9,390 (+7.7%)
51-6092 Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers $71,630 $76,680 +$5,050 (+7.1%)
19.0905 Apparel and Textile Marketing Management. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on marketing research and management as applied to the products and services of the apparel and textile industries. Includes instruction in applicable principles of textile and apparel design and manufacturing, sales and distribution systems, domestic and international market research, profitability, consumer research, and the design and implementation of marketing campaigns.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-2021 Marketing Managers $171,520 $170,670 -$850 (-0.5%)
13-1022 Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products N/A N/A N/A
13-1161 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $86,480 $74,030 -$12,450 (-14.4%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$36,508
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$36,508
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$34,325
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$34,325
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$16,580 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,183
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,642 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,163
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,965
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,965
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

15%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$12,867
Avg. Loan
$7,853
Avg. Federal Loan
$6,468
Additional
Students with Any Grant
115
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
87
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
40
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$9,891
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

67%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
N/A
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$23,458 – $78,848
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$23,458 (25th %) $78,848 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $49,840
Median Salary After 6 Years
$40,974
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$49,840
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
62.6%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
71.1%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$13,734
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 57.3%
Middle 61.4%
High 70.5%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 62.1%
Independent 65.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)

How much does it cost to attend FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)?

The annual tuition at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) is $34,325 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $36,508 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $16,580 (off-campus) and books and supplies $2,183.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising offer?

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) offers 25 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (13 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
  • Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (4 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

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

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) has an 41.5% acceptance rate and a 28.1% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 412
  • Students admitted: 171
  • Students enrolled: 48

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising?

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) provides financial aid to 15% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $12,867 and average loans of $7,853.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,844
  • State/Local grants: $7,056
  • Institutional grants: $9,891
  • Federal loans: $6,468

The university supports 115 students with grants and 87 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising graduates?

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) graduates earn a median salary of $40,974 after 6 years and $49,840 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $23,458 (25th percentile) to $78,848 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $79,100 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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