- FIDM prepares students to enter the global industries of fashion, visual arts, interior design and entertainment. Students become skilled professionals who are current in technology, experienced in critical thought, appreciative of creative expression, aware of ethical standards and proficient in effective communication.
School Highlights
FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising serves 2,115 students (60% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 7:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,115 students
- Private-state tuition: $29,930
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Student:teacher ratio: 7:1
- Minority enrollment: 70%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 315 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
315 staff
294 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising has declined by 5% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 7:1 has increased from 6:1 over five years.
The FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising diversity score of 0.82 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,115 students
2,311 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
32:1

# Full-Time Students
1,259 students
1,232 students

# Part-Time Students
856 students
8,299 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
205 students
240 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,241 students
1,155 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
18 students
63 students



# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
818 students
8,457 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
38 students
10 students


Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a

% Asian
12%
13%

% Hispanic
26%
47%

% Black
8%
7%

% White
30%
23%

% Hawaiian
1%
1%

% Two or more races
n/a
5%

% Non Resident races
18%
1%

% Unknown races
4%
3%


Diversity Score
0.82
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.75%
0.4304%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$41,800
$34,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $29,930 is more than the state average of $20,392. The private state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$29,930
$20,392

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
83%
85%

Median Debt for Graduates
$14,165
$10,500

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$6,239

Acceptance Rate
36%
92%

Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Four great campuses - Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, San Diego - give you the chance to find the perfect environment. From a cosmopolitan urban campus to one with that small-town feeling, they're all located in major commercial centers. And for those few moments when you're not thinking about your future profession, our campuses are also within a day's drive of winter skiing, summer beach-going and year-round play. FIDM Los Angeles is fashion central -- at the heart of a city that dominates the entertainment, retail, manufacturing, interior and graphic design industries. Our architecturally stunning main campus is nestled in the quiet 4-acre Grand-Hope Park, with its mosaic water fountains, ivy-covered arbor walks, and metal sculptures. Yet this landmark downtown site is only steps away from the bustling garment district, the International Jewelry Center, and the California Mart --the country's largest year-round mart, with 2,000 showrooms. FIDM provides the most relevant, specialized, professional education available to students seeking careers in the fashion, interiors, graphic design, and entertainment industries. From the moment you walk in to one of our campuses, you feel the FIDM difference. Creativity is everywhere, especially in our students, who come to FIDM to channel their dreams and passions. FIDM offers 2 Year, Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts Professional Designation, and Associate of Arts Advanced Study degree programs. Every program leads to a degree. Our curriculum has been developed, and is continually updated, to reflect the needs of each industry served by our majors. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) is a proprietary college incorporated under the laws of the state of California. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising cost?
FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising's private state tuition is approximately $29,930.
What is the acceptance rate of FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising?
The acceptance rate of FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising is 36%, which is lower than the state average of 92%. FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in California with low acceptance rates.
What is FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising's ranking?
FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Lowest acceptance rates and Diversity in US community colleges.
In what neighborhood is FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising located?
FIDM-Fashion Institute Of Design & Merchandising is located in the Downtown Los Angeles neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA.
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