LIM College logo

LIM College

Accept Rate
98.75%
Grad Rate
52.4%
Enrollment
1,133
Avg SAT
1090
Tuition
$31,950
Median Salary
$58,956
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

LIM College has a focused, career-driven vibe that feels like a professional incubator in the heart of Manhattan. The campus is intimate and tight-knit, fostering a community of ambitious students passionate about the business of fashion and creativity. It feels less like a traditional college quad and more like the first step into your future industry.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

98.75%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 109075th Pctl
9901200
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
1525
1122436

Admissions Tips

Your application should clearly demonstrate a genuine passion for the fashion, beauty, or lifestyle industries, even if you are applying for a business major. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on maintaining a GPA above the average and write a compelling personal statement that aligns your goals with LIM's unique niche. For students in the surrounding area, applying Early Decision can signal strong interest to the admissions committee.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1090
40080012001600
School range: 990โ€“1200

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

LIM College is a specialist institution with academic strengths in the business of fashion, marketing, and visual merchandising. The curriculum is intensely practical, emphasizing industry knowledge and real-world application over theoretical research, with faculty who are typically current professionals in their fields.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
86%
Communications
8.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

52.4%
Graduation Rate
67.8%
Retention Rate
1,133
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$31,950
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$37,514
After financial aid
Total Cost
$50,471
Cost of attendance/year
35.7%
Receive Pell Grants
62.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New York

Student life is deeply integrated with New York City, offering endless opportunities for internships, gallery hops in Chelsea, and exploring diverse neighborhoods. For fun, students often take advantage of the city's cultural offerings, from Broadway shows and museums to trendy cafes and shopping in SoHo and the Meatpacking District.

Local Rent Check

$2,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New York
Explore New York

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$127,800
$0Est. 4 Years: $127,800

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($58,956):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a busy, well-trafficked section of Manhattan, which generally feels safe due to high foot traffic and city presence. Like any urban environment, students should practice standard city safety awareness, especially when traveling on the subway or walking at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to industry internships and networking.
  • โœ“ Highly specialized curriculum focused on the business of fashion and related creative industries.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes foster close relationships with professors who are industry professionals.
  • โœ“ Acceptance rate of nearly 99% makes it an accessible option for many applicants.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are relatively low, which can be a concern for student persistence.
  • โœ— The high net price and tuition costs may result in significant student debt.
  • โœ— The specialized focus may not be suitable for students looking for a broad liberal arts education.

Notable Alumni

Stacy Igel
Founder and Creative Director of the fashion brand Boy Meets Girl and a professor at LIM.
Catherine Conover
Vice President of Global Product at Ralph Lauren.
Heather C. O'Donnell
Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Tiffany & Co.

Frequently Asked Questions

LIM College is known for its specialized focus on the business side of the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. It offers a practical, career-oriented education centered on areas like fashion merchandising, marketing, and visual communication, all located in the global fashion capital of New York City.

No, LIM College is not considered a selective school. With an acceptance rate of 98.75%, it is highly accessible. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1090, making it a viable option for many applicants.

Campus life at LIM is urban and integrated directly into New York City. The college has a small, intimate campus footprint, meaning student life often extends beyond the classroom walls into the city itself. Students are very career-focused and spend their free time exploring the city, attending industry events, and working internships.

The value depends heavily on your career goals. For students committed to the fashion and lifestyle industries, the specialized curriculum and NYC location offer strong networking and internship opportunities that can lead to a positive ROI. However, with a high net price and a 52.4% graduation rate, students should be certain of their career path to maximize the investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

LVMH Tiffany & Co. Ralph Lauren Estรฉe Lauder Bloomingdale's
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,390
  • In-State Tuition $31,950
  • Zip Code 10017

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 11.4% โ™€ 88.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $37,514, the tuition is significant, but the investment can be justified by the specialized degree and location. The 10-year median earnings of $58,956 are solid for a niche private college, though prospective students should carefully compare this against the total debt they might accrue.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $31,950
Housing (12 mo) $29,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $68,562
With avg financial aid:
$37,514/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.