Design and Applied Arts at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising accepts 42% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,319 students in Los Angeles, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,393 track close to the $28,654 national median for Design and Applied Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
A 5.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.
Career paths for Design and Applied Arts carry above-average AI exposure (38% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
At $12,000 in median debt against $24,393 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #81 ranking among 92 Design and Applied Arts programs places FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $24,393-to-$42,544 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
The 9 apprenticeship pathways connected to Design and Applied Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Design and Applied Arts graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art directors | $111,040 | +4.2% | 50% |
| Architecture teachers, postsecondary | $101,480 | +2.0% | 51% |
| Special effects artists and animators | $99,800 | +1.6% | 48% |
Design and Applied Arts Career Guide
What can you do with a Design and Applied Arts credential from FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.