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What to Ask Interior Designer Schools

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your school options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school needs to be within driving distance from your Greeley CO home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are prepared to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are looking at to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's important to confirm that the interior design college and program that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Colleges receiving accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just make sure 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Greeley Colorado employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do mandate 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, two or more years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an exceptional education, the Greeley CO college you enroll in should also furnish the appropriate training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Colorado or the State where you will be employed.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will probably want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a significant network of Greeley CO business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Contact the financial aid departments for the Greeley CO schools you are reviewing and ask what kind of aid they offer. Many of interior designer schools offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in acquiring grants or federal student loans. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Greeley CO schools you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Greeley home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior design school you select offers classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Greeley CO, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only attend part-time, verify that is an alternative also. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.