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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Apache Junction AZ residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design college and program that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just confirm that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Apache Junction Arizona employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required also. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Apache Junction AZ school you choose should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a substantial network of Apache Junction AZ business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Apache Junction AZ schools you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. A number of interior design schools provide financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Apache Junction AZ schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Apache Junction home, go to the college and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer school you choose provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Apache Junction AZ, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.