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Topics to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Now that you have selected the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the process of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Mira Loma CA home. Of course if you have decided on attending an online school, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is closest to your residence are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following 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 subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's imperative to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just confirm 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 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 accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Mira Loma California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate that interior designers become 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 several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an excellent education, the Mira Loma CA school you select should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and comply with the minimum licensing requirements 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 designer certification, you will no doubt need some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a large network of Mira Loma CA business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Mira Loma CA colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited school is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classes? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Mira Loma CA schools you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Mira Loma home, visit 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 Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you select provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Mira Loma CA, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.