Best institutions to study Fashion Merchandising
A program that prepares individuals to promote product lines/brands, and organize promotional campaigns, at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing, and supply contracts.
84 U.S. institutions graduated 2,552 Fashion Merchandising students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.1902, a specialization of Specialized Sales (CIP 52.19), and leads most directly to the Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products occupation (BLS SOC 41-4012).
About Fashion Merchandising programs
A program that prepares individuals to promote product lines/brands, and organize promotional campaigns, at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing, and supply contracts. Includes instruction in wholesaling, wholesale advertising, selling, and customer relations.
See also: 19.0905 - Apparel and Textile Marketing Management.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Fashion Merchandising program, part of Specialized Sales, focuses on preparing individuals to promote product lines and organize promotional campaigns at the wholesale level. This program is ideal for those interested in careers that involve attracting retailer interest, managing wholesale purchasing, and negotiating supply contracts in the fashion industry. Students will gain essential skills for success in a dynamic marketplace.
In this program, students will develop core skills in sales and marketing, customer service, and critical thinking. Coursework includes active learning in areas such as wholesaling, advertising, and customer relations, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive fashion merchandising landscape.
Credentials awarded
What Fashion Merchandising graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,667 graduates / yr · 62 institutions65%
- Associate's degree813 graduates / yr · 27 institutions32%
- Master's degree27 graduates / yr · 5 institutions1.1%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year26 graduates / yr · 6 institutions1.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years19 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.7%
Graduates over time
Fashion Merchandising completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5,011 |
| 2013 | 5,185 |
| 2014 | 5,214 |
| 2015 | 5,690 |
| 2016 | 5,467 |
| 2017 | 5,032 |
| 2018 | 4,757 |
| 2019 | 4,036 |
| 2020 | 3,860 |
| 2021 | 3,579 |
| 2022 | 3,056 |
| 2023 | 2,869 |
| 2024 | 2,825 |
| 2025 | 2,552 |
Top 50 institutions for Fashion Merchandising, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NYPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 1,003 | 81% | — | $23,778 |
| 2 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 192 | 64% | — | $36,625 |
| 3 | LIM College New York, NYPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 105 | 51% | $37,014 | $35,708 |
| 4 | Marist University Poughkeepsie, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 84 | 80% | $33,867 | $47,137 |
| 5 | Texas State University San Marcos, TXPublicBachelor's | 82 | 55% | — | $33,040 |
| 6 | CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NYPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 81 | 21% | — | $27,276 |
| 7 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicBachelor's | 76 | 90% | — | $37,643 |
| 8 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor's | 72 | 61% | — | $39,787 |
| 9 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 62 | 43% | $34,565 | $41,181 |
| 10 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicBachelor's | 61 | 75% | — | — |
| 11 | Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 59 | 86% | $25,823 | $42,712 |
| 12 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 38 | 78% | $36,004 | — |
| 13 | Johnson & Wales University - Online Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 27 | 0% | $21,981 | $27,168 |
| 14 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 26 | 80% | $35,682 | $43,414 |
| 15 | Berkeley College - New York New York, NYPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 24 | 44% | $29,326 | $33,740 |
| 16 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 23 | 73% | $42,705 | — |
| 17 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 23 | 69% | $26,034 | $40,407 |
| 18 | Johnson County Community College Overland Park, KSPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 31% | — | — |
| 19 | High Point University High Point, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 20 | 74% | $37,072 | — |
| 20 | Academy of Art University San Francisco, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAssociate's | 19 | 34% | $40,294 | — |
| 21 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 19 | 59% | — | $29,203 |
| 22 | Lasell University Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 59% | $23,724 | $38,438 |
| 23 | Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 17 | 49% | $17,436 | — |
| 24 | The New School New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 17 | 69% | $54,185 | $41,562 |
| 25 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 17 | 17% | — | — |
| 26 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAssociate's | 16 | 46% | — | — |
| 27 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicBachelor's | 16 | 62% | — | $35,904 |
| 28 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MIPublicBachelor's | 16 | 58% | — | $28,765 |
| 29 | University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 15 | 54% | — | $33,422 |
| 30 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TXPublicBachelor's | 15 | 55% | — | $32,444 |
| 31 | Brookdale Community College Lincroft, NJPublicAssociate's | 14 | 30% | — | — |
| 32 | Genesee Community College Batavia, NYPublicAssociate's | 12 | 31% | — | — |
| 33 | Bridgerland Technical College Logan, UTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 75% | — | — |
| 34 | Lynn University Boca Raton, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 52% | $38,343 | — |
| 35 | Mercyhurst University Erie, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 60% | $25,987 | $29,078 |
| 36 | Johnson & Wales University - Providence Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 55% | $31,634 | $27,168 |
| 37 | Belmont University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 71% | $29,246 | — |
| 38 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicBachelor's | 10 | 46% | — | $33,121 |
| 39 | Berkeley College - Woodland Park Woodland Park, NJPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 10 | 44% | $23,170 | $36,748 |
| 40 | Nassau Community College Garden City, NYPublicAssociate's | 10 | 23% | — | — |
| 41 | Youngstown State University Youngstown, OHPublicBachelor's | 10 | 50% | — | — |
| 42 | Texas Woman's University Denton, TXPublicBachelor's | 10 | 49% | — | $35,299 |
| 43 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 34% | — | — |
| 44 | Dominican University River Forest, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 55% | $16,176 | $29,907 |
| 45 | Stevenson University Owings Mills, MDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 68% | $26,556 | $30,701 |
| 46 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 14% | — | — |
| 47 | Marymount Manhattan College New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 49% | $34,258 | — |
| 48 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 6 | 25% | — | — |
| 49 | Fisher College Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 28% | $26,273 | $36,306 |
| 50 | Stephens College Columbia, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 43% | $23,198 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Specialized Sales field (CIP 52.19) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 30 states
Where Fashion Merchandising graduates come from. Each state links to all Specialized Sales programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 41-4012, Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Fashion Merchandising program can pursue careers as Sales Representatives in wholesale and manufacturing sectors or as Wholesale and Retail Buyers. The job outlook shows little to no change, with approximately 114,800 annual openings and a median wage of $66,780. Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 52.1902
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Productsprimary SOC 41-4012 | $72,080 | +0.3% Little or no change | ~114,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products SOC 13-1022 | — | — | — | — |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Fashion Merchandising programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
- Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
Tools and technology used
Other Specialized Sales specializations
The 10 other 6-digit CIP codes under Specialized Sales (CIP 52.19).
- Special Products Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1909partial data204 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Specialized Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1999partial data195 graduates / yr5 institutions
- Tourism and Travel Services Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1905141 graduates / yr15 institutions
- Apparel and Accessories Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1904partial data74 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Hospitality and Recreation Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1910partial data56 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Vehicle and Vehicle Parts and Accessories Marketing OperationsCIP 52.1907partial data46 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Business and Personal/CIP 52.1908
Financial Services Marketing Operations partial data33 graduates / yr4 institutions - AuctioneeringCIP 52.1901limited data17 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Tourism Promotion OperationsCIP 52.1906partial data16 graduates / yr4 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Fashion Modeling52.1903
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or a Master's degree, along with shorter awards.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and customer service.
What are the job prospects after graduation?+
Job prospects include roles as Sales Representatives and Buyers, with about 114,800 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for graduates?+
The median wage for related careers is approximately $66,780.
What is the CIP code for Fashion Merchandising?+
Fashion Merchandising is CIP 52.1902 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Specialized Sales (CIP 52.19). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to promote product lines/brands, and organize promotional campaigns, at the wholesale level to attract retailer interest, wholesale purchasing, and supply contracts. Includes instruction in wholesaling, wholesale advertising, selling, and customer relations.
How many institutions offer Fashion Merchandising programs?+
84 U.S. institutions reported Fashion Merchandising graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 30 states, awarding 2,552 credentials in the year. That is 76.5% of all Specialized Sales graduates.
How much do Fashion Merchandising graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products occupation, which Fashion Merchandising most directly leads to, pays a median of $72,080 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Specialized Sales field report median earnings of $35,904 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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