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Questions to Ask Interior Designer Schools

Now that you have selected the interior design degree that you wish to earn, you can begin the task of reviewing your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the campus needs to be within driving distance from your WA home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are able to relocate to attend classes, then location may not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will narrow down your options also. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your decision. There are other variables that you need to look at also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few concerns that you may want to ask the schools you are reviewing to get those answers as well as others in order to help you examine and subsequently select the right degree program.

Is the Interior Designer College Accredited? It's essential to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you enroll in has been accredited by either a national or regional organization. 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 demanding assessment of their instructors and programs. Just verify 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 excellent, it might also help when securing financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited colleges. Also, a number of Washington employers will only employ graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the School Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, several States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam as well as a degree from an accredited program. And in several of those States requiring licensing, two or more years of work experience may be required as well. So besides furnishing an outstanding education, the  WA school you select should also provide the suitable training to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Washington or the State where you will be working.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and earned your interior designer certification, you will no doubt want some help in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at if they have a job assistance program. If so, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good indication that the school and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its students are sought after. It might also signify that the school has a significant network of  WA business contacts where they can refer students to secure internships or employment after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Offered? Get in touch with the financial aid offices for the  WA schools you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior design colleges offer financial aid to their incoming students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide help in obtaining grants or federal student loans. Again it must be stressed that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may effectively be less expensive than its competitors because they provide more generous financial assistance.

How Big are the Classrooms? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive little individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the WA schools you are reviewing what their average teacher to student ratios are. If convenient from your home, go to the college and monitor a couple of classes. While there talk with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching approaches are and what their credentials are in interior design.

Are Classes Accessible that Accommodate your Schedule? Finally, make certain that the interior designer school you enroll in provides classes the fit your busy 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 WA, confirm that those classes are available. 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 protocol is for making up classes missed because of work, family or illness.