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What to Ask Interior Design Programs

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of analyzing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school needs to be within commuting distance from your Colorado Springs CO residence. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will decrease your options also. But picking the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the program. Following are a list of questions that you may want to ask the schools you are considering to get those answers as well as others to help you assess and ultimately select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you select has been accredited by 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 assessment of their teachers and programs. Just make sure that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Colorado Springs Colorado employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Ready you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers become 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 school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Colorado Springs CO program you select should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Colorado or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are looking at 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 school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its graduates are in demand. It may also signify that the school has a significant network of Colorado Springs CO business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the Colorado Springs CO colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer 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 limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Colorado Springs CO programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Colorado Springs home, visit the school and monitor a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with a few students and ask 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 designer college you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is particularly important if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Colorado Springs CO, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.