Overview
Founded in 1969, FIDM has grown into one of the leading fashion and design colleges in the United States, with campuses in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego. The institution is best known for its strong ties to the fashion, apparel, entertainment, and retail industries, producing graduates who work at major design houses, film studios, and merchandising companies. FIDM emphasizes hands-on, career-focused education taught by industry professionals rather than traditional academic research.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Total students | 4,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 60% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $30,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $30,000 |
| Room & board | $15,000 |
| Average financial aid | $12,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.0 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Apparel Design
- Merchandise Marketing
- Interior Design
- Entertainment Business
- Graphic Design
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.