Accreditation

WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is an accredited, co-educational, specialized, private college in Los Angeles, California. The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a Federally-recognized regional association by the U.S. Department of Education, located at 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501 (510-748-9001). FIDM is currently on probation* but remains accredited.

**On March 17, 2023, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) voted to extend the sanction of Probation for Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Probation reflects the Commission’s finding that an institution has serious issues of noncompliance with one or more of the Standards of Accreditation. The Commission has determined that FIDM remains out of compliance with WSCUC Standard 3. When the Commission finds that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation, it is required to notify the institution of these findings and give the institution a period of time to correct the deficiencies. It is the responsibility of the Commission to determine, at the end of the sanction period, whether the institution has made the necessary corrections and has come into compliance with Commission Standards. FIDM has also been advised that an institution placed on Sanction by the Commission must submit a teach-out plan that would be implemented if the institution were to close. A teach-out plan identifies opportunities for the students of a closing institution to complete their program at other institutions offering the same or similar degree programs, certificates, or curricula leading to professional licensure, regardless of students’ academic progress at the time of closure. The accredited status of FIDM continues during the Probation period and students’ status within the college is not affected by this sanction. The Commission’s decision to impose Probation is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Commission Action Letter dated March 17, 2023. This document is available on the WSCUC website. Questions about FIDM’s accreditation status should be directed to Dr. Tamela Hawley at WSCUC at thawley@wscuc.org. A copy of this letter can also be found at www.wscuc.org.

Commission Action Letter
Report of the WSCUC Team Special Visit

National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)

FIDM's art and design programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), a Federally-recognized association located at 11250 Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190 (703-437-0700).

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)

FIDM is a private institution licensed by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), a consumer affairs agency open to the public and located at 1747 North Market, Suite 225, Sacramento CA 95834. Phone: (916) 574-8900, Toll Free: (888) 370-7589. Read more

Approved for Veterans

FIDM is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) for the training of veterans and individuals certified as eligible for services by the California Vocational Rehabilitation Administration.

International Students

FIDM is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. For more information, see Admissions - International Students.

Instructional Programs

FIDM certifies that all courses numbered 1000 and higher are collegiate level and recommends acceptance for transfer to the California State University system and other universities and colleges.