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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school has to be within commuting distance from your Lake Elsinore CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other things that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and ultimately choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer program and school that you choose 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 an extensive evaluation 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Lake Elsinore California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require 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 some of those States requiring licensing, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from providing an excellent education, the Lake Elsinore CA program you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support 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 high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It might also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Lake Elsinore CA business relationships where they can place students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Lake Elsinore CA colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they provide. A number of interior designer colleges provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Lake Elsinore CA schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Lake Elsinore home, visit the campus and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior design school you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Lake Elsinore CA, make sure that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.