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What to Ask Interior Design Schools

When you have chosen the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the college has to be within commuting distance from your Carol City FL residence. 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 qualification. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices as well. But choosing the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you need to look at also, including the reputation and accreditation of the school. Following are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others in order to help you examine and ultimately select the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer Degree Program Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior design school and program that you enroll in has been accredited by either a regional or national 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 undergone a demanding evaluation of their instructors and programs. Just verify that both the degree program and the college 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 education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Carol City Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, several States do mandate that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States mandating licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So in addition to providing an excellent education, the Carol City FL college you choose should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Florida or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are considering if they have a job assistance program. If so, find out 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 profession and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a large network of Carol City FL business relationships where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial aid offices for the Carol City FL colleges you are looking at and find out what kind of aid they offer. A number of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges offer partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that choosing an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Find out from the Carol City FL programs you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Carol City home, go to the campus and monitor a few classes. While there speak with a few 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 Available that Fit your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior designer college you enroll in provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Carol City FL, verify that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of illness, work or family emergencies.