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Questions to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your Compton CA home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Compton California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do require that interior designers get 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 some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Compton CA college you enroll in should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some support in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Compton CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Compton CA schools you are evaluating and ask what type of support they provide. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Compton CA colleges you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Compton home, visit the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer school you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Compton CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.