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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

When you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school needs to be within driving distance from your San Dimas CA residence. Of course if you are interested in attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The cost of tuition will decrease your options as well. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior design college and program that you choose has earned accreditation from either a regional or national agency. One of the most respected in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding evaluation 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 recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of San Dimas California employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the College Prep 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 program. And in several of those States mandating licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required also. Therefore besides furnishing an exceptional education, the San Dimas CA program you enroll in should also furnish the proper training to pass the NCIDQ examination 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 earned your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It might also indicate that the school has a substantial network of San Dimas CA business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the San Dimas CA colleges you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they provide. A number of interior design programs offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that selecting an accredited program is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the San Dimas CA schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your San Dimas home, go to the college and monitor a few classes. While there speak with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design program you choose offers classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near San Dimas CA, make sure that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.