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Subjects to Ask Interior Designer Colleges

When you have decided on the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of assessing your college options. Location will be an important issue, particularly if the school must be within commuting distance from your Plantation FL residence. Of course if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will decrease your options also. But selecting the most affordable college or the one that is closest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you should look at as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately choose the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer program and college that you choose has earned accreditation from 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their teachers and programs. Just make sure 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited schools. Also, many Plantation Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of 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 program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, at least 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an exceptional education, the Plantation FL college you select should also provide the proper education to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the Program's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some help in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are considering if they have a job placement program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the school and its programs are highly regarded within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also indicate that the school has a substantial network of Plantation FL business contacts where they can place students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Plantation FL colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of support they provide. Many of interior designer schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships and others provide assistance in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may actually be less expensive than its counterparts 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 large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Plantation FL programs you are looking at what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Plantation home, go to the college and attend a few classes. While there talk with some students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, verify that the interior design college you choose provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is particularly significant if you plan to continue working while going to school. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near Plantation FL, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, confirm that is an option also. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.