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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school has to be within driving distance from your Paramount CA residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices also. But picking the most affordable college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design college and program that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and instructors. 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 confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Paramount California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from providing an excellent education, the Paramount CA school you choose should also provide the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a substantial network of Paramount CA business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Paramount CA schools you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer programs offer financial aid to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Paramount CA programs you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Paramount home, go to the school and sit in on a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, verify that the interior designer college you enroll in offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Paramount CA, make certain that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.