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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college must be within driving distance from your Rowland Heights CA residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will limit your options as well. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer school and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm 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 training are excellent, it may also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Rowland Heights California employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers get 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 college. And in some of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the Rowland Heights CA school you select should also provide the suitable 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 College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at 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 highly esteemed within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the school has a substantial network of Rowland Heights CA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial aid offices for the Rowland Heights CA colleges you are evaluating and ask what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer programs offer financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in 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 offer more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Rowland Heights CA colleges you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Rowland Heights home, go to the school 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 approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Rowland Heights CA, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.