LIM College has taught the business side of fashion in Manhattan since 1939, when it started as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising. Students study merchandising, marketing, retail and supply chain rather than design. Internships in New York showrooms and head offices are part of every degree. The college is small, and its buildings are in Midtown East.
New York City, New York, United States
Official website: limcollege.edu
Private fashion business college
1939
Midtown Manhattan
$32,000 – $36,000
International students, before scholarships
$22,000 – $30,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on limcollege.edu before you apply.
BBA Fashion Merchandising
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
BBA Marketing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MPS Fashion Marketing
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MPS Global Fashion Supply Chain Management
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Fashion business rather than fashion design.
Required internships in Manhattan.
Small classes in Midtown East.
Graduates join fashion brands, department stores and e-commerce firms as buyers, planners and marketers.
New York's fashion headquarters recruit from internships.
Graduates can apply for 12 months of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
LIM's buildings are in Midtown East, close to Fifth Avenue's flagship stores and a short subway ride from the Garment District. Residence halls are limited.
New York is expensive, especially for housing, but the fashion industry is on the doorstep. Many students share apartments in Queens or Brooklyn.
Form I-20 issued by LIM College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
LIM admits students on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by spring for fall or autumn for spring. Confirm the college's current programmes and status with admissions before applying.
Most programmes start in fall and spring.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from LIM College after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
Fashion merchandising, marketing and the MPS programmes are popular. Undergraduate entry is based on school grades with IELTS 6.0; master's entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
LIM awards merit scholarships to many international students at admission. Ask admissions for the current amounts.
