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Subjects to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, especially if the school must be within commuting distance from your Pomona CA residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options also. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you should consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you assess and subsequently select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone an extensive 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 organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Pomona California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an excellent education, the Pomona CA program you enroll in should also furnish the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for California or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some support in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing 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 esteemed within the interior design profession and its students are sought after. It could also signify that the school has a significant network of Pomona CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Pomona CA schools you are looking at and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Some colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Pomona CA colleges you are considering what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Pomona home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior designer program you choose offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Pomona CA, confirm that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.