Interior Design Schools Interior Design Colleges Interior Design Programs Interior Design Classes
Interior Design Courses Interior Design Courses Online Interior Design Schools Online Interior Design Degrees
Interior Design Degrees Online

Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus must be within driving distance from your Springdale AR residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to verify that the interior designer school and program that you select has earned accreditation from 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Springdale Arkansas employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore besides providing an outstanding education, the Springdale AR school you select should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum requirements for licensing for Arkansas or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a substantial network of Springdale AR business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Springdale AR colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of support they provide. Many of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Springdale AR programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Springdale home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer school you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Springdale AR, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.