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What to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the campus must be within commuting distance from your La Quinta CA home. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your choices also. But selecting the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should look at also, such as the accreditation and reputation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you select has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of La Quinta California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the La Quinta CA college you enroll in should also furnish the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It might also indicate that the college has a large network of La Quinta CA business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial aid departments for the La Quinta CA colleges you are looking at and find out what type of aid they offer. Many of interior designer programs provide financial aid to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide assistance in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the La Quinta CA programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your La Quinta home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer school you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near La Quinta CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.