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What to Ask Interior Design Colleges

Once you have chosen the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the process of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college has to be within driving distance from your Riviera Beach FL home. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The fee for tuition will limit your choices as well. But picking the least expensive school or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other issues that you should look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a few questions 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 subsequently pick the right degree program.

Is the Interior Design Degree Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national agency. One of the most highly regarded 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 assessment of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the college and the degree program have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help confirm that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are excellent, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Riviera Beach Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited schools for entry level positions.

Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would necessitate a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States calling for licensing, a minimum of 2 years of occupational experience may be required also. So besides providing an exceptional education, the Riviera Beach FL college you select should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior design certification, you will probably need some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job assistance program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It may also indicate that the school has a large network of Riviera Beach FL business connections where they can place students to obtain internships or employment after graduation.

Is Financial Aid Available? Contact the financial assistance departments for the Riviera Beach FL schools you are evaluating and ask what type of support they provide. A number of interior design schools offer financial aid to their new students. Various colleges offer partial scholarships and others provide support in securing federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited program is essential for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may actually 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 one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Riviera Beach FL programs you are considering what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your Riviera Beach home, go to the school and attend a few classes. While there speak with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching styles are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make sure that the interior designer college you choose provides classes the fit your busy schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Riviera Beach FL, verify 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 protocol is for making up classes missed due to work, sickness or family obligations.