Fashion Institute of Technology combines industry-focused creative education with strong economic mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, FIT produces $5,468 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels well below peer institutions at $12,000 versus $20,210, supporting career success in fashion and creative industries.
With strong results, driven by solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With typical performance, reflecting moderate costs and average debt levels
With excellent performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting access into economic advancement
With excellent performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Specialized fashion and design education
Fashion Institute of Technology leads with excellent mobility performance at the 92.4th percentile nationally, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in converting educational access into sustained economic advancement. Located in New York, New York, this medium-sized public institution ranks #189 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis with top-tier performance at the 90.6th percentile.
FIT maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 57.6% acceptance rate while serving diverse student populations including 32.3% Pell-eligible and 27.6% first-generation students. Graduates earn $5,468 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 75.2nd percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $62,696 ten years after enrollment, placing Fashion Institute of Technology at the 80.0th percentile for long-term outcomes. Compared to peer institutions with a median of $47,872, FIT graduates earn $14,824 more annually.
This combination of accessibility, specialized programming, and strong economic outcomes places Fashion Institute of Technology firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant.
Fashion Institute of Technology delivers well above average earnings outcomes in specialized creative and business fields. Graduates earn a median of $62,696 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 80.0th percentile nationally and exceeding peer institutions by $14,824 annually.
Earnings range from $30,971 at the 25th percentile to $90,913 at the 75th percentile, reflecting the diverse career paths available across fashion, advertising, and visual design disciplines. The institution generates $5,468 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 75.2nd percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking excellent mobility outcomes in fashion, advertising, and visual design fields. Particularly well-suited for first-generation students (27.6%) and Pell-eligible students (32.3%) interested in specialized creative and business programs.
Fashion Institute of Technology's Mobility Engine designation reflects strong earnings growth and economic advancement for students from diverse backgrounds.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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Fashion Institute of Technology maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 57.6% acceptance rate, ranking at the 23.0th percentile for selectivity. This means FIT is more accessible than 77% of four-year institutions nationally, with admission practices that emphasize broader access rather than highly restrictive selection.
Compared to peer institutions with a median admission rate of 84.7%, Fashion Institute of Technology admits 27 percentage points fewer applicants, indicating somewhat more selective standards than typical peer institutions. The moderately selective approach enables FIT to serve diverse student populations while maintaining academic standards appropriate for specialized creative and business programs.
This accessibility supports the institution's role as a Mobility Engine, where broader admission policies coincide with strong post-graduation outcomes. Despite more accessible admission rates than highly selective institutions, Fashion Institute of Technology demonstrates that moderate selectivity can coexist with strong earnings outcomes and economic mobility for graduates.
The admission approach reflects FIT's mission to serve students interested in fashion, design, and related business fields regardless of traditional academic metrics.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Fashion Institute of Technology presents a complex cost structure with relatively high net prices despite low published tuition rates. In-state tuition stands at $6,170 while out-of-state tuition reaches $16,750, reflecting typical public institution pricing.
However, the average net price of $22,024 exceeds both tuition figures, indicating significant additional costs for room, board, and other expenses. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $12,905, Fashion Institute of Technology costs $9,119 more annually, representing a substantial premium above similar public institutions.
The gap between low published tuition and higher net prices reflects the realities of attending college in New York City, where living costs significantly impact total educational expenses. This cost structure creates important financial planning considerations for families, particularly given that net prices remain elevated even after financial aid.
The higher costs relative to peers must be weighed against FIT's specialized programming and strong earnings outcomes when evaluating educational value.
Fashion Institute of Technology graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $50,102 six years after enrollment to $58,998 at eight years and $62,696 at ten years, representing 25.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 1,471 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $5,468 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing FIT in the 75.2nd percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $48,200, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility. Earnings span from $30,971 at the 25th percentile to $90,913 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory within creative and business fields.
Approximately 19.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating strong preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry. The steady earnings progression and strong peer comparisons reflect FIT's specialized focus on industry-relevant education in fashion, design, and related business fields.
Apparel and Textiles.
56 graduates
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations.
445 graduates
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
254 graduates
Marketing.
148 graduates
Design and Applied Arts.
592 graduates
Fashion Institute of Technology offers 4 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, all representing flagship specializations. Advertising ranks #3 nationally and #1 in New York, producing 282 graduates with median earnings of $61,399 and a strong value score of 49.7.
Commercial Photography ranks #4 nationally and #1 in New York, graduating 560 students with median earnings of $52,128 and a value score of 49.1, representing the institution's largest program by enrollment. Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations graduates 470 students with median earnings of $60,232, reflecting FIT's core mission in fashion business education.
Digital Marketing rounds out the program portfolio, graduating 160 students with median earnings of $57,625 and ranking #2 in New York state. All four programs hold flagship status at Fashion Institute of Technology, demonstrating the institution's concentrated expertise in fashion, visual arts, and related business applications.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rhode Island College Similar quality tier in Northeast (#9623 ranked) | RI | 92% | $56,318 | #9623 | Compare |
Oregon Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier (#9621 ranked) | OR | 95% | $72,273 | #9621 | Compare |
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Similar quality tier (#9630 ranked) | IL | 87% | $53,390 | #9630 | Compare |
University Of Alabama In Huntsville Similar quality tier (#9631 ranked) | AL | 69% | $61,767 | #9631 | Compare |
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Similar quality tier (#9612 ranked) | IL | 98% | $56,346 | #9612 | Compare |
