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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you want to earn, you can begin the process of reviewing your college options. Location will be an important issue, especially if the school must be within driving distance from your The Acreage FL residence. Obviously if you are interested in attending an online school, or are willing to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The expense for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But choosing the least expensive college or the one that is closest to your house are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other things that you should look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the program. Below are a few questions that you may want to ask the programs you are reviewing to obtain those answers in addition to others to help you compare and ultimately pick the appropriate degree program.

Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you choose has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most highly regarded in the field is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a rigorous evaluation of their instructors 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 organization. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the college and the quality of the training are outstanding, it might also help when securing financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Also, many The Acreage Florida employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level positions.

Does the Program Prepare you for Licensing? As we mentioned earlier, a number of States do require that interior designers get licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam in addition to a degree from an accredited college. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required as well. Therefore besides providing an exceptional education, the The Acreage FL program you select should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Florida or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and obtained your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly need some support in finding your first job. Ask the schools that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If yes, find out what their job placement rates are. A high rate is an excellent indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It may also indicate that the college has a substantial network of The Acreage FL business contacts where they can place students to obtain internships or jobs after graduation.

Is Financial Assistance Offered? Contact the financial aid offices for the The Acreage FL schools you are reviewing and find out what type of assistance they provide. Many of interior design programs offer financial aid to their new students. Certain schools offer partial scholarships while others provide support in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that enrolling in an accredited program is important for qualification in most cases. Sometimes a program that has a higher tuition may effectively be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.

How Small are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more intimate and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you may receive little individual attention from the teachers. Ask the The Acreage FL colleges you are looking at what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your The Acreage home, visit the campus and sit in on a couple of classes. Take the opportunity to talk with some students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their backgrounds are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly significant if you will continue working while attending college. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near The Acreage FL, verify that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only attend part-time, check that is an alternative as well. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.