FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), founded in 1969, is a premier for-profit college specializing in fashion, entertainment, and creative industries. With its main campus in downtown Los Angeles and additional locations in San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego, FIDM offers unparalleled access to industry hubs. The institute is celebrated for its hands-on approach to education, with programs ranging from Fashion Design to Digital Media and Business Management. FIDM's facilities include design studios, computer labs with industry-standard software, and the famous FIDM Museum housing a collection of 15,000+ historic garments. The college maintains strong ties with Hollywood, providing costume design for major motion pictures and television shows.
FIDM's industry-focused curriculum is taught by professionals actively working in their fields, ensuring students learn current trends and technologies. The college's annual Debut Runway Show showcases student work to industry leaders, often leading to immediate job opportunities. FIDM's career placement services boast connections with over 6,000 companies, resulting in high employment rates for graduates. Special programs like the Advanced Study program allow students to develop specialized portfolios. Located in the heart of the fashion and entertainment industries, FIDM provides students with internship opportunities at major brands and studios, making it a gateway to creative careers.
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Acceptance Rate
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is 41.5%. This means that 42 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM LA) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
FIDM LA Profile
Name: FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM LA)
City: Los Angeles
URL: www.fidm.edu/
State: California
Type: Private for Profit
Zip: 90015-1421
Campus: Main
Accredited by: ()
Can I Get Into FIDM LA Without SAT Or ACT?: FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from FIDM LA Worth It?
Getting into FIDM LA can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. FIDM LA offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at FIDM LA is USD: 73476 and unemployment rate is 3.77%.
How much does a degree from FIDM LA Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is USD: 53393. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
26.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 47.05 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to FIDM LA and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist FIDM LA as your choice in the form.
How much a FIDM LA Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 49840. An average FIDM LA graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Apparel and Textiles
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Marketing
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
Masters Degree Programs
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Associate Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $49840 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $53393 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is 41.5 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.