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What to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have selected the interior designer degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical factor, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your Port Saint Lucie FL home. Naturally if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your options as well. But picking the cheapest college or the one that is closest to home are not the best ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should look at also, including the accreditation and reputation of the school. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the programs you are considering to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you examine and ultimately select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's necessary to verify that the interior designer college and program that you enroll in 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 undergone a rigorous assessment of their teachers and programs. Just verify 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 establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are excellent, it might also help when applying for financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Port Saint Lucie Florida employers will only hire graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.

Does the Program Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to 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 Port Saint Lucie FL college you enroll in should also furnish 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 School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior design certification, you will probably need some support in finding your first position. Ask the schools that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high regard within the interior design trade and its students are sought after. It may also indicate that the school has a significant network of Port Saint Lucie FL business contacts where they can refer students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the Port Saint Lucie FL colleges you are reviewing and find out what kind of aid they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Certain colleges provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in securing grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Port Saint Lucie FL schools you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If practical from your Port Saint Lucie home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with a few students and find out what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their experiences have been in interior design.

Are Classes Available that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior design college you enroll in offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while going to school. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Port Saint Lucie FL, make certain that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.