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What to Ask Interior Design Colleges

After you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of assessing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your Oviedo FL home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. 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 best ways to make your decision. There are other factors that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a list of concerns that you may want to address with the programs you are looking at to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you assess and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior design school and program that you choose has earned accreditation from 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). Schools earning accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are outstanding, it may also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Oviedo Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the School Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, some States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of occupational experience may be required as well. So aside from providing an outstanding education, the Oviedo FL college you enroll in should also furnish the proper instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination 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? Once you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some support 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 an excellent sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a large network of Oviedo FL business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance departments for the Oviedo FL colleges you are reviewing and ask what type of assistance they offer. A number of interior designer schools provide financial aid to their new students. Various schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that choosing an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a school that has a higher tuition may ultimately be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more personal and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you may receive limited individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Oviedo FL colleges you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Oviedo home, visit the school and sit in on a few classes. While there talk 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, verify that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you plan to continue working while going to college. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Oviedo FL, make sure that those classes are offered. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, confirm that is an alternative also. Finally, ask what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.