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FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles closed in 3/2025 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private for-profit, 4-year

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

中文

Acceptance rate

41.5%

2024

Peer median 92.0%

Tuition per year

$35,000

$57,086 with room and board

Peer median $15,149

Undergraduates

535

Student-faculty ratio 135:1

Peer median 14 : 1

“Peers” are all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) is a prestigious private college located in California, renowned for its specialized programs in fashion, design, and merchandising. Established in 1969, FIDM has developed a strong reputation for providing students with practical, hands-on experience in the creative industries. The school is ideally situated in Los Angeles, a global fashion hub, allowing students to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural environment that is rich in artistic influences and industry connections. This strategic location not only enhances educational opportunities but also facilitates internships and job placements with leading fashion brands, retailers, and design studios.

FIDM is committed to fostering a dynamic learning atmosphere that combines creativity with business acumen. The school offers a diverse range of programs, including degrees in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Interior Design, and Graphic Design, among others. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Additionally, FIDM boasts a faculty composed of industry professionals who bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom, ensuring that students receive a relevant and comprehensive education. The campus is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, computer labs, and a resource library, providing students with the tools they need to thrive. Overall, FIDM not only emphasizes academic excellence but also encourages creativity and innovation, making it a top choice for aspiring fashion professionals.

Trends in Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising reveals significant trends in tuition, enrollment, and graduation rates, which merit discussion. Over the years, the tuition for undergraduate students has increased from $28,920 in 2014 to $34,325 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 19%. This rising cost of education can be a deterrent for potential students, especially considering the financial burdens associated with higher education.

In terms of enrollment, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of undergraduate students, from 3,743 in 2013 to just 1,780 in 2023. This represents a staggering decrease of about 53%, which could be attributed to various factors, including the rising tuition costs, shifting industry demands, and possibly the saturation of fashion-related programs in the education market.

Moreover, the graduation rates have shown some fluctuation. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students dropped significantly from 66% in 2014 to around 55% in 2018, indicating challenges in student retention and completion of programs within the expected timeframe. This decline in graduation rates, coupled with decreasing enrollment, poses a critical challenge for the institution, as it may impact its reputation and attractiveness to prospective students.

Additionally, the retention rate has seen a decrease, dropping from 93% in 2014 to around 82% in 2021. This decline signals that students may not be finding the value or support they need to continue their studies at FIDM, which could further exacerbate the downward trend in enrollment and graduation rates.

Overall, the combination of rising tuition, declining enrollment, and fluctuating graduation rates raises important questions about the sustainability and appeal of fashion education at FIDM. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution to remain competitive and relevant in an evolving educational landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 9 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 10 mi
Los Angeles, California
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
City
Los Angeles, California
Address
919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015-1421

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 92.0% · all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2024

Men
43.2%
Women
41.3%

In 2020: men 36.4%, women 36.2%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at FIDM

The admission data from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) reveals some notable trends in the years from 2009 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant decline in both male and female admission rates, which have fallen from 72% and approximately 70% respectively in 2009 to 43.42% and 41.40% in 2023 for males and females. This downward trajectory suggests a growing competitiveness in the admissions process, which could be attributed to a variety of factors including increased applications and possibly a more selective approach by the institution.
Interestingly, the total number of enrollments has fluctuated over the years, peaking in 2009 with 1,033 students and declining to just 349 in 2023. This sharp decrease in enrollment numbers could reflect broader trends in the fashion and design industry, as well as changing societal interests and economic conditions. The substantial number of denials, particularly in recent years, highlights the challenges prospective students face when vying for a limited number of spots.
Moreover, the data indicates that the number of students deferring their admission has also varied, with a notable increase in deferments during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. This may point to the impact of COVID-19 on educational choices, pushing students to reconsider their immediate entry into higher education.
In conclusion, the trends observed in FIDM's admission statistics reveal a more competitive landscape for aspiring fashion professionals, influenced by both institutional policies and external factors. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these admission trends adapt in response.

Students

564 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 14:86

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (535)

White
160 · 29.9%
Hispanic
126 · 23.6%
International
114 · 21.3%
Asian
59 · 11.0%
Black
40 · 7.5%
Unknown
16 · 3.0%
Two or more races
8 · 1.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at FIDM in 2023

The data from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising reveals interesting insights into the student demographics for the year 2023. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 349, with a notable gender disparity, as only 16.3% of them are male and a significant 83.7% are female. This trend continues among the undergraduate upperclassmen, where out of 1,119 students, 18.3% are male and 81.7% are female.

Undergraduate transfer students represent a smaller cohort with 312 individuals, maintaining a similar gender ratio, where 17.6% are male and 82.4% are female. Conversely, the graduate student population is markedly smaller, consisting of 34 students, with only 8.8% being male and a striking 91.2% being female.

The racial composition of these groups, particularly for the freshmen, shows that among the 349 students, the majority are white, followed by other ethnicities. The cultural diversity within the student body appears to be less pronounced in the graduate segment, with a very small percentage from minority backgrounds.

This gender imbalance is reflective of the broader trends in the fashion and design fields, which have historically attracted more female students. As the industry evolves, it will be critical for institutions like FIDM to cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages diversity across all demographics, particularly in attracting male students and underrepresented ethnic groups.

Analysis of Age Distribution at FIDM in 2023

The age distribution of students at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in 2023 showcases intriguing trends, particularly when examining the gender composition within various age brackets. The data indicates that the majority of undergraduate males are concentrated in the 18-19 and 20-21 age groups, with 75 and 90 students respectively. In stark contrast, the female undergraduate population is significantly larger, especially in the 18-19 age group, where there are 389 female students compared to only 75 males. This disparity emphasizes the increasing interest of young women in fashion design and merchandising as a career.

As students progress in age, the number of male undergraduates decreases, while the female population remains robust. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, there are still 96 male students, but the number of female students peaks at 348, suggesting that women are not only enrolling in larger numbers but are also continuing their studies beyond traditional undergraduate ages.

Interestingly, the data reveals very few students in older age groups, with only 8 students aged 30-34 and a mere 1 student over 65. This indicates that fashion education may still be viewed primarily as a pursuit for younger individuals, possibly reflecting societal views on career changes and education in the fashion industry.

Overall, the gender imbalance is notable, with female students outnumbering male students significantly, particularly in the younger demographics. This trend may reflect broader societal shifts in career preferences and aspirations among young women, aligning with the growing prominence of female leadership in various sectors, including fashion.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates21.3%

114 in 2025 · 17.0% in 2016

0% 12.5% 25% 2016: 17.0%2017: 17.7%2018: 17.5%2019: 19.1%2020: 20.1%2021: 16.3%2022: 14.8%2023: 17.6%2024: 20.4%2025: 21.3%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025
Graduate students48.3%

14 in 2025 · 35.3% in 2018

0% 30% 60% 2018: 35.3%2019: 50.0%2020: 37.5%2021: 41.0%2022: 40.0%2023: 47.1%2024: 53.2%2025: 48.3%
2018Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at FIDM

The data from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) reveals significant trends in international student enrollment over the years. The number of international undergraduates peaked in 2016, reaching an impressive 17.02% of the total undergraduate population. This growth can be attributed to FIDM's strong reputation in fashion and design, attracting students from around the world. However, there has been a noticeable decline in overall undergraduate enrollment since then, with the percentage of international students fluctuating in recent years.

The data indicates that international undergraduates accounted for 17.58% in 2023, which is a healthy proportion, suggesting that FIDM remains an attractive destination for global students. This is particularly important given the increasing competition among educational institutions to attract international talent. Furthermore, the graduate program shows a promising growth trend in the proportion of international students, reaching 47.06% in 2023. This suggests that FIDM's advanced programs are also gaining traction among international audiences.

Moreover, the recent years have seen a shift in global mobility due to various factors, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. As institutions like FIDM adjust their recruitment strategies, it will be crucial to monitor how these external factors influence international enrollment trends. FIDM's commitment to diversity and internationalization is evident, and it will be interesting to see how they navigate the evolving landscape of higher education in the fashion industry.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$57,086

Undergraduate tuition
$35,000
Room and board
$22,086
Graduate tuition
$43,965
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $26,585 · all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 17% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 56%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$38.3M

Tuition and fees
$29.3M76.5%
Investment return
$140K0.4%
Sales and services of educational activities
$61K0.2%
Other
$8.8M22.9%

Expenses$32.7M

Institutional support
$10.4M31.9%
Instruction
$10.0M30.5%
Academic support
$6.7M20.4%
Student services
$5.3M16.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$307K0.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$79,638peers $53,290
Instructor
$79,638peers $52,928

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding the FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising:

  1. University of Southern California (南加州大学) - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, USC is a prestigious private research university located in Los Angeles, known for its strong programs in business, film, and the arts.

  2. California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - With a remarkable rank of 7, Caltech is renowned for its science and engineering programs, making it one of the leading science and engineering institutes globally.

  3. University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - UCLA holds the 15th position in the 2024 rankings and is known for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life in the heart of Los Angeles.

  4. Pepperdine University (佩珀代因大学) - Ranked 76th, Pepperdine is a private Christian university located in Malibu, California, known for its beautiful campus and strong programs in business and law.

  5. Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - With a ranking of 11, this liberal arts college is part of the Claremont Colleges and is recognized for its emphasis on economics and political science.

These institutions provide a range of academic opportunities and contribute to the vibrant educational landscape around FIDM.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 47 private mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2020–2022

Robbery
4
Aggravated assault
4

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Trends at FIDM

The crime statistics at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) reveal significant trends over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, 2013 recorded a relatively high average crime rate of 2.67 per 1,000 students, primarily driven by arrests related to firearms and drug-related incidents. However, there's a marked decline in crime rates in the subsequent years, with a low of 0.00 in 2021, a year that coincided with the global pandemic, which may have influenced student activities and campus life.

Interestingly, the year 2018 saw a resurgence in crime rates, particularly with arrests related to firearms, which peaked at an average of 2.68 per 1,000 students. This spike raises concerns about campus safety and the effectiveness of preventative measures during that period. Fortunately, by 2023, crime rates stabilized again at 1.65 per 1,000 students, suggesting that the administration may have implemented successful strategies to mitigate crime.

The absence of serious crimes such as murder and sexual assault in the data reflects positively on the campus environment, although incidents of domestic violence and stalking, while not predominant, indicate areas that require continuous attention and support.

Overall, while FIDM's crime rates show fluctuations, the significant drop in 2021 and stabilization thereafter suggest progress in maintaining a safer campus. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures will be essential in addressing any potential spikes in crime rates in the future. For more information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.