LIM and JEF

Continuing A Tradition of Excellence

Building on our 86-year legacy of leadership in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle, the ownership of LIM College has transitioned from the Marcuse family to the Japan Educational Foundation (JEF) as of December 1, 2025, following receipt of all necessary approvals from our accreditors and state and federal agencies.

LIM will continue to operate independently, retaining our name and current campus facilities. All academic and administrative operations will continue as usual, and there will be no changes for students with respect to enrollment status, tuition structure, or financial aid programs. LIM’s educational and degree programs will continue uninterrupted, and we also do not anticipate changes to LIM faculty or administration as a result of this ownership transition.

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Hear a message from LIM College President Ron Marshall about the planned acquisition of LIM by the Japan Educational Foundation.

FAQ FAQ

Japan Educational Foundation (JEF) is a highly regarded global educational organization which has colleges, universities, campuses, and fashion industry relationships throughout the world. These include the Professional Institute of International Fashion, the only university specializing in the business of fashion in Japan, and ESMOD, the first fashion school in France.

Like LIM, JEF has a strong family legacy with an unwavering commitment to helping students realize their dream careers through high-quality education underpinned by resume-building, real-world experiences. JEF shares LIM’s belief in the importance of specialized, career-focused education and commitment to putting students first.

We do not anticipate any changes to your day-to-day experience as a student as a result of the ownership transition. LIM will continue to operate independently, retaining our name and current campus facilities. All academic and administrative operations will continue as usual, and there will be no changes to students’ enrollment status, tuition structure, or financial aid programs. LIM’s educational and degree programs will also continue uninterrupted and there will be no impact on your progress toward your degree. Likewise, we do not anticipate changes to the LIM faculty or administration as a result of this ownership transition.

Now that we can begin working with JEF as an official part of their portfolio of institutions, we will be exploring enhanced opportunities for students resulting from added intellectual capital and global industry connections, advancing our vision for LIM as the global leader in higher education for fashion and lifestyle. 

No. For prospective students, the transition to JEF ownership does not change LIM’s application requirements, admissions criteria, or enrollment process. Our current educational offerings and degree programs will continue uninterrupted.