The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is one of the premier fashion schools in the United States. It is a public college of art and design, business and technology located in New York City. FIT is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. FIT offers more than 50 majors in the areas of art, business, communication, textiles, and fashion design, as well as many other specialized professional studies in the fashion industry.

History of FIT

FIT was founded in 1944 by the New York State Legislature as a specialized college for the training of professionals in the fashion industry. The first classes were held in 1945 in the former High School of Commerce building in Manhattan. The college moved to its current location in midtown Manhattan in 1978.

Since its founding, FIT has become one of the top fashion schools in the world, with students from all over the globe. FIT alumni have gone on to become some of the most successful designers, executives, and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.

Academics at FIT

FIT offers a variety of degree programs, with an emphasis on fashion and design. The college offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in a range of fields. Degree programs available at FIT include:

• Advertising and Marketing Communications
• Apparel Design
• Fashion Business Management
• Fashion Merchandising Management
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• Interior Design Technology
• Knitwear Design
• Media and Communications
• Textile/Surface Design
• Toy Design
• Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design

In addition, FIT offers specialized certificate programs in areas such as Textile and Surface Design, Knitwear Design, and Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design.

Fashion Institute of Technology FAQs

Q: What majors does FIT offer?

A: FIT offers more than 50 majors in the fields of art, business, communication, textiles, and fashion design, as well as many other specialized professional studies. Some of the available majors include: Advertising and Marketing Communications, Apparel Design, Fashion Business Management, Fashion Merchandising Management, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Interior Design Technology, Knitwear Design, Media and Communications, Textile/Surface Design, Toy Design, and Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design.

Q: Where is the FIT campus located?

A: The Fashion Institute of Technology campus is located in Manhattan, New York.

Q: Are there any online degree programs offered by FIT?

A: FIT does not currently offer any online degree programs.

Q: What is the tuition cost for FIT?

A: Tuition costs vary based on program, location, and residency status. Please visit the FIT website for more detailed information about tuition costs.

Examples of Fashion Institute of Technology Alumni

FIT alumni have been successful in numerous areas of fashion and design. Some of the notable alumni of FIT include: 

• Tommy Hilfiger, fashion designer
• Rachel Roy, fashion designer
• Donna Karan, fashion designer 
• Calvin Klein, fashion designer 
• Steve Madden, shoe designer
• Joseph Abboud, fashion designer 
• Carolina Herrera, fashion designer 
• Chris Benz, fashion designer
• Vera Wang, fashion designer 
• Michael Kors, fashion designer 
• Alexander Wang, fashion designer