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

Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have chosen the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Bradenton FL home. Of course 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 limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are looking at to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior design program and school that you choose has earned accreditation from either a national or regional organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 excellent, it might also help when applying for financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Bradenton Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of professional experience may be required also. So aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Bradenton FL school you choose should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and comply with the minimum requirements for licensing for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out 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 field and its graduates are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a large network of Bradenton FL business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Assistance Provided? Contact the financial aid departments for the Bradenton FL colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships and others provide help in securing federal student loans or grants. Again it must be stressed that choosing 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 offer more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classes? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Bradenton FL schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Bradenton home, go to the college and sit in on a few classes. Take the opportunity to speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Offered that Fit your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially significant if you plan to continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Bradenton FL, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, sickness or family obligations.