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Topics to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Once you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of analyzing your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus has to be within commuting distance from your Estero FL residence. Obviously 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 fee for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the least expensive college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to consider also, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a list of questions that you may want to ask the colleges you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and subsequently choose the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to confirm that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in 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 obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a rigorous 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 acknowledged accrediting agency. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are exceptional, it may also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Estero Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do mandate 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 requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. Therefore besides furnishing an outstanding education, the Estero FL school you enroll in should also provide the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ examination and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Florida or the State where you will be employed.

What is the College's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design trade and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the school has a large network of Estero FL business connections where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid departments for the Estero FL colleges you are evaluating and find out what kind of assistance they provide. A number of interior design schools offer financial assistance to their incoming students. Certain schools provide partial scholarships and others provide help in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its competitors because they offer more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Estero FL programs you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Estero home, visit the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there speak with a few 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 Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, confirm that the interior designer program you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Estero FL, make sure that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.