Hey everyone, so I've been seriously considering the Fashion Institute of Technology as one of my top picks, but I recently checked out their graduation rate and got a little bit worried. Does anyone have any insight on what might be contributing to these numbers? Should I factor this heavily into my decision process?
Hello! It's indeed a good practice to review graduation rates as part of your college research. The graduation rate can reflect numerous aspects of the school environment, such as academic rigor, student support services, student satisfaction, and many others.
FIT's six-year graduation rate, which aligns with how most institutions report this data, sits approximately at 78%. This rate is above the national average for four-year colleges, which is about 60%. Still, it might seem low compared to other institutes you are considering.
Concerning what contributes to these numbers, it's difficult to pinpoint a specific cause without a deeper study of the school. A factor that might affect the rates is the highly specialized nature of the programs at FIT. Some students might decide partway through their studies that a career in fashion or related industries is not for them, leading to transfer or dropout.
Also, keep in mind that FIT, like many art and design schools, has a relatively large number of part-time students. These students might take longer to graduate due to balancing work, school, and potentially other life commitments. They may also prefer to take a lighter course load each semester, extending their graduation timeline beyond the "typical" four years.
Should this heavily influence your decision? That depends. If you're confident about your interest in the programs offered at FIT and have researched the school thoroughly, this rate might not be a significant deterrent. You should also weigh this information against other factors important to you, such as program quality, faculty, internships and job placements, and campus culture.
In the end, it’s all about finding the best fit for your academic, personal, and career goals. Best of luck with your college search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.