Admissions FAQ

What degrees and majors does LIM offer?
LIM offers Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees in Fashion Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, and Management. We also offer a Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree in Fashion Merchandising and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Fashion Merchandising. LIM also offers concentrations in: Cosmetics, Event Planning, Fashion Publications, International Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Retailing, Styling and Visual Merchandising.

What is the tuition for the year?
Tuition and fees for the 2008-2009 academic year is $19,300. Tuition does not include housing or books. Part-time tuition is $640 per credit. Housing is approximately an additional $14,950.

Where is LIM located?
LIM is located in four buildings in midtown Manhattan. Our main location is 12 East 53rd Street, which is one block from 5th Avenue - home to some of the world's most famous stores. We also have locations on 54th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), 45th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), and Fifth Ave. (at 45th Street). It generally takes approximately 10 minutes to walk between LIM buildings.

What are the requirements for admission?
To be considered for admission you must submit the following:

1. High School Seniors: We require SAT/ACT scores, an essay, high school transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
2. College Transfers: We require SAT/ACT scores (only for students with 30 credits or less) an essay, high school transcripts, transcripts from all colleges attended, and two letters of recommendation.
3. International Students: International Students, for whom English is not the primary language, are required to submit TOEFL scores (a minimum score of 80 for internet-based, 213 for computer-based), an essay, phone interview, high school transcripts, and transcripts from all colleges attended. All transcripts that are not in English must be translated by World Education Services.
4. GED Students: Yes, we do accept the GED. In addition to the above requirements you must submit GED scores along with transcripts from any high schools you have attended.

Does LIM accept fee waivers?
Yes. We accept fee waivers for incoming freshmen. We do not accept fee waivers for transfer students or students who are applying to the ACCESS program.

What are the minimum GPA and SAT scores required?
We look at each student on an individual basis. We look for a solid "B" average. This would be considered a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. We look for a combined critical reading and math SAT score of 950-1000. We also accept the ACT and look for a score of 20.

What careers does LIM prepare its students for?
Some of the careers LIM graduates choose to pursue include: Buying, Management, Cosmetic Marketing, Magazines, Showroom Sales, Manufacturing, Visual Merchandising, Fashion Coordinator, International Marketing, Media/Public Relations and Stylist. For more information on some of the careers our alumni have chosen to pursue please look at our alumni success stories.

What are your policies on admitting transfer students?
Each transfer student's record will be evaluated individually with liberal interpretation placed on course equivalencies. Transfer students may enter LIM in either semester. For all transfer students, credits obtained in courses for which you received below a "C" grade are not accepted without a degree. Additionally, in all degree programs the final 33 credits plus the senior semester must be completed at LIM.

What are your policies on admitting international students?
International students need to complete the admissions requirements outlined above. They also must have their transcripts professionally interpreted by World Education Services and include (if available) a school profile. Please note that international students cannot receive federally funded financial aid.

When can I visit LIM?
There are three ways to visit LIM. You can attend an Open House program, a weekly information session, or schedule a private visit. During each type of visit you will have a student-guided campus tour, the opportunity to speak with an Admissions Counselor, and the opportunity to have an interview. Please note that the most comprehensive visit is provided through the Open House program. To schedule your visit to LIM please call the Admissions Office at 1-800-677-1323 ext. 289.

What kind of Financial Aid is available?
Financial aid is offered to meet the "gap" between what the student, and when applicable, what the family can contribute and what it costs to attend LIM. Financial Aid is given in the form of:

1. Merit scholarships, which are based on academic merit. Financial need is not a factor.
2. Grants, which do not have to be repaid, are offered by LIM, the federal government, and state agencies.
3. Loans, which must be repaid.

80% of LIM students receive some form of aid.

How do I apply for financial aid?
Do not wait until you are admitted to apply for financial aid. File the FASFA (Free Application for Student Aid) as close to January 1 as possible. You can download the FASFA from www.fafsa.ed.gov. LIM's federal school code for the FASFA is 007466.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. LIM offers scholarships that are need-based and non-need-based. For information on the eligibility criteria, amounts and other application requirements for individual scholarships, go to the Scholarships area of this website.

Does LIM have housing?
Yes. The 1760 Third Avenue Residence is a home away from home for approximately 375 LIM students as of Fall 2008. Located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, it's just minutes away from fantastic restaurants and shopping, the remarkable sights and sounds of Museum Mile and Central Park, and one block from the 96th Street subway station on the #6 (Lexington Avenue) subway line. 24/7 security and a trained live-in staff ensure students' safety and comfort. Double and triple furnished rooms offer large windows and a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV with a DVD player transmitting 130 digital cable stations, as well as a refrigerator and microwave, are in every room. In addition, every student has free local telephone service with their own voicemail, as well as high-speed internet service. This state-of-the-art building also features a media room, a fully-equipped 3,500 sq. ft. fitness center, and a computer center. Please note that LIM offers housing on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How big is LIM?
As of Fall 2008, LIM enrolls approximately 1300 students. Our student to faculty ratio is 8 to 1.

Is LIM an accredited college?
Yes. LIM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (www.msche.org). Please visit their website for a listing of all colleges accredited through Middle States.

What is your policy on Early Action?
In order to apply for Early Action you must fill out the Early Action Application Form and submit it as part of your application packet. All application materials plus the Early Action Application Form must be submitted by November 15 in order to qualify. Early Action applicants are guaranteed a decision by December 15.