
919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015-1421, USA


FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency for postsecondary institutions specializing in career education. This accreditation affirms that the institution meets specific standards of educational quality and institutional integrity relevant to career-focused programs.
Additionally, FIDM's programs in design, merchandising, and related creative fields have been developed to align with industry expectations, contributing to its reputation as a specialized school for fashion and design education. Prospective students should consider this institutional accreditation as an indicator of the school's commitment to maintaining educational standards and providing career-oriented learning experiences.
Admission to FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) credential or equivalent. Prospective students must submit their secondary school academic records, and a minimum GPA is required for consideration. While the school recommends submitting secondary school class rank, this is not mandatory.
Recommendations and evidence of specific competencies are necessary components of the application process. Additionally, applicants must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English language proficiency. Other standardized test scores are recommended but not compulsory.
FIDM does not have an open admission policy, and dual credit is not available. However, the institution does recognize and award credit for Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. Computer ownership or leasing is not required for admission.
Applicants to FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising are required to pay an application fee as part of the admission process. This fee covers the cost of processing the application and is necessary to move forward in the selection procedure. While the exact amount is not listed here, prospective students should anticipate this charge when submitting their applications.
For eligible candidates, FIDM offers fee waivers that can help reduce financial barriers. These waivers are typically granted based on demonstrated need or specific circumstances that the applicant may present. To apply for a fee waiver, students usually need to provide supporting documentation or meet certain criteria outlined by the admissions office.
It is advisable for prospective students to contact the admissions department directly for detailed information on the current application fee and the steps required to qualify for a fee waiver. This ensures clarity on deadlines, eligibility, and any additional requirements tied to the application process.
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising does not offer any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities will need to explore other institutions that provide these military training programs as part of their curriculum.
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising permits transfer students to apply for enrollment in any term, including fall, winter, spring, and summer. The institution accepts transfer credits from a variety of programs and examinations, such as CLEP subject tests, CLEP general tests, and DANTES credits, facilitating a smoother transition for students with prior academic achievements.
Transfer applicants should be aware that admission to the school is considered moderately difficult, indicating a selective review process. While the institution welcomes recommendations as part of the application, it confirms the acceptance of transfer credits but does not provide information regarding age limits or the acceptance of Excelsior College credits.
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising offers study abroad opportunities specifically designed to enrich students' understanding of global fashion and design markets. These programs provide immersive experiences that allow students to engage directly with international industry practices, cultural contexts, and creative approaches.
Students can participate in short-term study trips, often during the summer or intersession periods, where they visit prominent fashion capitals and studios. These trips combine classroom learning with hands-on activities such as site visits, workshops, and networking events with professionals around the world.
Additionally, FIDM collaborates with select partner institutions abroad to offer exchange programs that enable students to spend a semester studying relevant disciplines such as fashion design, textile development, and merchandising. This exchange fosters cross-cultural collaboration and expands students' perspectives beyond the domestic industry.
The study abroad options at FIDM emphasize experiential learning and aim to cultivate a global mindset, which is increasingly valuable in the competitive and interconnected fashion industry. Participants return with enhanced skills, international contacts, and a deeper appreciation of diverse design traditions and business practices.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer