FIT is fascinating. We are a public institution of higher education with ties to private industry designed to benefit our students. We have big city pizazz and high-end sophistication. But we boast a safe campus and a real-world mindset. We are the crossroads between commerce and creativity.

FIT is fashion. We are also design, fine arts, packaging, computer animation. We are technology, and also marketing, advertising, merchandising, production. And more. Our diverse programming has grown out of a rich history. Our Institutional Advancement is based on a clear mission. Our campus location and facilities are here to serve our college community.

Enrollment - Fall 2006:

• Full-Time Undergraduate - 6,601
• Part-Time Undergraduate - 3,224
• Full-Time Graduate - 97
• Part-Time Graduate - 88
• Total Headcount - 10,381

Male/Female % - Fall 2006:

• Male 15%
• Female 85%,

Residency - Fall 2006:

• New York City Residents - 4,463 - 45%
• New York State Residents - 1,971 - 20%
• Out of State - 2,623 - 27%
• International - 768 - 8%

Diversity - Fall 2006:

• Caucasian - 4,187 - 42.6%
• African-American - 835 - 8.5%
• Hispanic - 1036 - 10.5%
• Asian - 1,194 - 12.2%
• Native American - 30 - 0.3%
• Foreign - 790 - 7.7
• Unknow - 1,703 - 17.3%

Is FIT just a two-year college?

No. FIT operates on a 2 + 2 system: a two-year associate (AAS) degree, followed, upon the student's request, by a two-year bachelor's (BS/BFA) degree. FIT also offers a master's (MA/MPS) degree in selected majors.

Do I need to choose a major before I apply?

Yes. You must select one, and only one, major on your application for admission. You cannot choose a double major, nor can you choose a major with a minor.

Do I need a portfolio if I am applying to a business/technology major?

No. Only applicants to an art/design major will be asked to submit a portfolio. The portfolio evaluation is done by your major department. The written results of that evaluation are forwarded to the Admissions Office and are considered when we render a decision. Your portfolio should demonstrate your artistic ability and creativity, as well as enthusiasm for, and your potential to succeed in, your chosen major.

When should I send my portfolio?

Use our posted guidelines to begin assembling your portfolio well before you apply. However, don't submit your portfolio until after you have filed your application and received an authorization form and detailed instructions from FIT Admissions as to how, when and where.

What GPA do I need to be admitted to FIT?

The Admissions Committee looks at your overall academic performance - as well as individual grades and the kinds of courses taken - to choose applicants with the greatest potential to succeed at FIT. Although each major receives a different number of applications for a limited number of places, we generally consider applicants with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Students are encouraged to take a college-preparatory curriculum. In high school, this might include AP, IB, honors and regents (for NYS students) classes. If coming from college, we prefer to see solid academic achievement in core liberal arts classes.

What are the SAT and ACT scores needed to be admitted to FIT?

SATs and ACTs are not required for admissions purposes. Applicants are, however, encouraged to submit their scores. They are required for the Presidential Scholars Program. Presidential Scholars Program. Also, they may come in handy with regard to college placement exams. A verbal score of 530 or higher and/or a math score of 520 or higher may be used to waive placement exams in English and math, respectively. A math score of 620 or higher is needed to waive the placement exam in algebra.

Are interviews required?

The Admissions Office does not conduct interviews. Instead, we rely on your essay to give you the opportunity to tell us more about yourself. Make your essay compelling and relevant to your application. In other words, tell us how your experiences have prepared you to commit to your chosen major at FIT. Feel free to include all activities and accomplishments in which you take pride. Presentation is also important, so keep your essay to no more than 750 words and check your spelling and grammar.

How many letters of recommendation are required for admissions?

None. Letters of recommendation will not be considered in the admissions process.

Is there a deadline for filing my application?

Priority application deadline is January 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring. However, Early Action applicants must submit their application prior to November 15.

Is there a different application for international students?

No. However, there may be additional requirements for students educated outside the U.S. and/or students who need to apply for an F-1 visa. If you have documents coming from academic institutions outside the U.S. and/or English is not your native language, see How to Apply: International Students.

If I am coming from another college, how do I know which credits will transfer?

Associate's degree transfer students will receive credit for courses they have completed at regionally-accredited colleges with a grade of "C" or better that are equivalent to the liberal arts courses required by FIT's associate-level programs. For more information, see the Registar's Office page on transfer credit evaluation.

Can I apply directly to a bachelor's degree program at FIT?

In order to apply to a bachelor's degree program, you must have already earned either an AAS or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate and approved major that includes the equivalent of FIT's required liberal arts distribution, OR 60 credits in an appropriate and approved bachelor's degree program, including the equivalent of FIT's required liberal arts courses.

If I am transferring from another college, how long will it take me to earn a degree at FIT?

Bachelor's degrees always take two years, but some of our associate degree majors offer an accelerated one-year degree program for students with sufficient transferable liberal arts credits and, for those applying to an art and design major, a strong portfolio.

Can I change majors once I have Started?

FIT students interested in transferring to a new major are not guaranteed admission. All internal transfer candidates will be held to the same criteria as external candidates for admission to the new major. By transferring between majors at FIT, students will be considered for semester one in the new curriculum. That is why choosing the right major to begin with is so important.

How can I get housing on campus?

Once you have been accepted to FIT, you will receive an admissions packet that includes an on-campus housing application. You must pay your tuition deposit before your housing application will be considered.

If I take courses as a non-degree student, will the credits count if I apply and get accepted to a degree program?

Yes, as long as they are part of the curriculum for the major to which you ultimately apply. However, there are restrictions: 1) You must formally apply through the Office of Admissions before you accumulate more than 24 credits. 2) No more than 30 credits taken at FIT in non-degree status may be applied toward a degree. 3) A minimum of 50% of the credits identified in an FIT degree program as major and related credits must be taken while in FIT degree status. If you want to earn a degree at FIT, it is better to apply and get into matriculated status as soon as possible.

FIT's academic programs provide career preparation in more than 30 fields leading to Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Below is a list of majors at FIT. Also use the left-hand navigation to explore our other academic programs such as online courses, credit certificate programs, and international programs. In addition, we offer a wide range of non-credit certificate programs.

Associate Degree Programs

• Accessories Design
• Advertising and Marketing Communications
• Communication Design
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Merchandising Management
• Fine Arts
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• Jewelry Design
• Menswear
• Photography
• Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries
• Textile Development and Marketing
• Textile/Surface Design
• Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design

Bachelor Degree Programs

• Accessories Design
• Advertising Design
• Advertising and Marketing Communications
• Computer Animation and Interactive Media
• Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing
• Direct and Interactive Marketing
• Fabric Styling
• Fashion Design
• Fashion Merchandising Management
• Fine Arts
• Graphic Design
• Home Products Development
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries
• Packaging Design
• Photography
• Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries
• Textile Development and Marketing
• Textile/Surface Design
• Toy Design
• Visual Art Management

Graduate Programs

• Cosmetics and Fragrance Management and Marketing
• Exhibition Design
• Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
• Global Fashion Management
• Illustration