We believe students and families deserve clear, transparent information when evaluating the value of a college education. This page provides a detailed comparison of LIM College and peer institutions across key measures of return on investment, including post-graduation earnings, net cost, and career outcomes.
All data is sourced from publicly available federal and institutional reporting and reflects the most recent available information.
How LIM Compares
LIM is ahead of the fashion pack! Take a closer look at median earnings, net cost, and career outcomes across comparable institutions.
|
SCHOOL |
NET COST |
MEDIAN SALARY |
CAREER OUTCOMES RATE |
|
LIM College |
$42,603 |
$65,284 |
96% (6 months) |
|
Pratt Institute |
$54,150 |
$61,127 |
92% (12 months) |
|
Parsons School of Design (The New School) |
$67,224 |
$59,586 |
80% (3-12 months) |
|
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
$50,821 |
$51,102 |
91% (12 months) |
Side-by-Side Comparison
LIM delivers a stronger return on investment than many peer schools, with lower net cost, higher early-career salaries, and faster career outcomes. Students benefit from studying in NYC, the center of the fashion industry, while paying less or comparable tuition. The result is a more affordable education that leads to stronger, faster career success.
LIM vs Pratt Institute
Net Cost:
LIM: $42,603 🥇
Pratt: $54,150
Median Salary:
LIM: $65,284 🥇
Pratt: $61,127
Career Outcome Rate:
LIM: 96% (6 months) 🥇
Pratt: 92% (12 months)
Faster, better outcomes. Lower cost. Stronger return.
LIM vs Parsons
Net Cost:
LIM: $42,603 🥇
Parsons: $67,224
Median Salary:
LIM: $65,284 🥇
Parsons: $59,586
Career Outcome Rate:
LIM: 96% (6 months) 🥇
Parsons: 80% (3–12 months)
Same city. Same industry access. Pay less for better outcomes.
LIM vs SCAD
Net Cost:
LIM: $42,603 🥇
SCAD: $50,821
Median Salary:
LIM: $65,284 🥇
SCAD: $51,102
Career Outcome Rate:
LIM: 96% (6 months) 🥇
SCAD: 91% (12 months)
Study where the industry lives—for less.
What These Metrics Mean
Net Cost
The average annual cost after scholarships and financial aid are applied. This reflects what students typically pay, not the listed tuition.
Median Salary
The annual median inflation-adjusted earnings four years after graduation of students who received federal financial aid, according to the U.S. Department of Education earning's indicator. This helps indicate long-term earning potential.
Career Outcome Rate
The percentage of graduates working in the industry for which they studied (or related field) or continuing their education within a defined timeframe after graduation.
Methodology & Sources
While every institution reports data slightly differently, we’ve used the most comparable, publicly available metrics to provide as close to an apples-to-apples view as possible.
Net Cost
Net cost figures reflect average net price, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education through IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System).
This represents the average annual cost paid by full-time, first-time undergraduate students after grant and scholarship aid is applied, including: federal aid, state and local aid, and institutional aid.
Sources by institution:
- LIM College
- Pratt Institute
- Parsons School of Design (The New School)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Median Salary
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard earnings indicator.
This metric reflects the median annual earnings of undergraduate students who received federal financial aid, measured four years after graduation and adjusted for inflation. It is designed to provide a standardized view of post-graduation earning potential across institutions.
Career Outcome Rate
Rates are based on institutional reporting, typically following the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) standards.
These rates represent the percentage of graduates who are employed in the industry for which they studied or continuing their education within a defined timeframe after graduation. Because reporting timelines can vary by institution (e.g., 6 months vs. 12 months), specific timeframes are noted in the chart.
Sources by institution:
Why LIM Performs Strongly
LIM is built around one goal: getting students career-ready.
Real Experience, Built In
Internships are required, so students graduate with hands-on experience and industry connections.
Curriculum That Matches the Industry
Programs are aligned with real careers in fashion and lifestyle, not just theory.
NYC = Opportunity
In the heart of the industry, students have direct access to top employers and networking year-round.
Career Focus from Day One
From the start, students build the skills, experience, and confidence to launch their careers.