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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the campus needs to be within commuting distance from your Foothill Farms CA residence. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you should look at as well, such as the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to verify that the interior designer program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. 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 undergone an extensive assessment 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Foothill Farms California employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate 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 mandating licensing, a minimum of 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an outstanding education, the Foothill Farms CA program you select should also provide the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a substantial network of Foothill Farms CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Foothill Farms CA schools you are evaluating and find out what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Foothill Farms CA programs you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Foothill Farms home, go to the campus and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Foothill Farms CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.