Interior Design Schools Interior Design Colleges Interior Design Programs Interior Design Classes
Interior Design Courses Interior Design Courses Online Interior Design Schools Online Interior Design Degrees
Interior Design Degrees Online

What to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

After you have selected the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Santa Paula CA home. 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 qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But choosing the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Following are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are looking at to get those answers as well as others to help you compare and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you choose has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. 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 gone through a demanding assessment 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 verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Santa Paula California employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become 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 several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Santa Paula CA college you select should also furnish the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet 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 received your interior design certification, you will probably want some support in finding your first position. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the college has a significant network of Santa Paula CA business connections where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Santa Paula CA schools you are evaluating and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Small are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Santa Paula CA colleges you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Santa Paula home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with some 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 Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer school you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Santa Paula CA, confirm that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.