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Topics to Ask Interior Design Schools

Once you have decided on the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important factor, particularly if the college needs to be within commuting distance from your Rubidoux CA residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is nearest to home are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you compare and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design program and school that you enroll in has earned accreditation from 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 earning accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous 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 organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Rubidoux California employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

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) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited program. And in some of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. Therefore in addition to providing an exceptional education, the Rubidoux CA school you enroll in should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum licensing requirements for California or the State where you will be working.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will no doubt need some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are highly esteemed within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a substantial network of Rubidoux CA business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Available? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Rubidoux CA colleges you are evaluating and find out what type of assistance they provide. A number of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Rubidoux CA schools you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Rubidoux home, visit the campus and monitor 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 Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Rubidoux CA, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.