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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

Now that you have chosen the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Lehigh Acres 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 limit your options as well. But selecting the cheapest college or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other variables that you should consider as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to obtain those answers as well as others to help you examine and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you select 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 gone through a rigorous evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when requesting financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, a number of Lehigh Acres Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers become 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 program. And in some of those States calling for licensing, two or more years of professional experience may be required as well. So in addition to furnishing an excellent education, the Lehigh Acres FL college you choose should also furnish the suitable 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? After you have graduated and attained your interior design certification, you will no doubt want some assistance in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its graduates are in demand. It might also indicate that the college has a sizable network of Lehigh Acres FL business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Lehigh Acres FL colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of aid they offer. A number of interior design colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Some colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that selecting an accredited school is imperative for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a school that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Lehigh Acres FL programs you are reviewing what their typical teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Lehigh Acres home, visit the college and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with some 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 Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior designer college you select offers classes the fit your hectic 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 Lehigh Acres FL, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.