LIM College

New York, New York, United States · Est. 1939 · Private For-profit

About

Official

Private for-profit fashion college in Midtown Manhattan emphasizing experiential learning and industry connection.

  • Founded 1939 as Laboratory Institute of Merchandising by Maxwell F. Marcuse
  • Private for-profit institution located in Midtown Manhattan, New York
  • 1,371 total students (2023): 1,142 undergraduates, 229 postgraduates
  • Specializes in fashion, merchandising, marketing, and lifestyle business programs
  • Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and ACBSP
  • Named one of 'The Best Fashion Schools in the World' by The Business of Fashion (2019)

Academics

LIM College offers undergraduate bachelor's degrees in Fashion Media, Fashion Management & Leadership, Fashion Merchandising, Visual Studies, Marketing, and The Business of Cannabis, along with minors in sustainability, fashion design, digital design, and entrepreneurship. At the graduate level, the college provides Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degrees in Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management, Fashion Marketing, and Business of Fashion, plus Master of Science (MS) programs in Consumer Analytics and Global Fashion Supply Chain Management. The college emphasizes experiential education through required internships, industry partnerships, and participation in events like New York Fashion Week.

Campus & Student Life

The urban campus consists of two buildings in Midtown Manhattan: the Fifth Avenue building at 545 Fifth Avenue and Maxwell Hall at 216 East 45th Street. Student housing is available through FOUND Study's Midtown East location on Lexington Avenue. Approximately one quarter of students live in college-owned or affiliated housing. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, with average class sizes of 17 students. Students engage in clubs including Fashion Production, styling, and the school magazine The Lexington Line.

Admissions & Enrollment

As of 2023, LIM College enrolled 1,371 students total. In 2020, undergraduate enrollment was 1,503 with 89% female and 11% male students. Graduate enrollment included 278 students (170 on-campus, 108 online). Many degree programs are offered in fully online format, and the college provides summer programs for high school students and international students.

Recognition & Outcomes

LIM College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The Business of Fashion recognized LIM as one of the world's best fashion schools in 2019. The college was named to Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll annually since 2016 and included in The Princeton Review's 'Best Northeastern Colleges' for 2024. Notable alumni include stylist Zerina Akers (Beyoncé) and Daniella Vitale (CEO, Salvatore Ferragamo NA).

Founded
1939
Type
Private For-profit
Courses
13
Total intake
Not yet verified
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
13
Avg career outcomes
$59K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources