FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) offers 12 degree programs across 3 major academic fields, graduating approximately 791 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (3 programs, 434 graduates), Arts (7 programs, 311 graduates) and Human Sciences (2 programs, 46 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (3 programs, 434 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business and Management Services | 223 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.9999 |
| Fashion Merchandising | 161 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1902 |
| Marketing Management | 50 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
Arts (7 programs, 311 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion and Apparel Design | 171 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0407 |
| Design and Visual Communications | 47 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0401 |
| Industrial and Product Design | 41 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0404 |
| Interior Design | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0408 |
| Costume Design | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0510 |
| Graphic Design | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0409 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 9 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
50.0602 |
Human Sciences (2 programs, 46 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apparel and Textile Marketing Management | 26 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0905 |
| Apparel and Textile Manufacturing | 20 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
19.0902 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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 12 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (7 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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