What to Look for When Searching for the Best Interior Design Programs

Key Differences Between Average and Outstanding Interior Design Schools

As cities like Nashville expand and new real estate developments arise, interior design continues to grow as an industry, offering a wide range of high-paying positions for those with the right skills and educational background. Joining the interior design field requires a rigorous education, and not all programs or schools are created equal.

If you’re interested in becoming an interior designer, you’ll want to know what things to consider when comparing colleges. Arming yourself with this knowledge will allow you to choose the best interior design program for your needs.

What the Best Interior Design Colleges in the U.S. Have in Common

As all interior design programs equip their students with the relevant knowledge and skills, some may argue that it doesn’t matter where you go to get your BFA in interior design degree. However, attending one of the best interior design colleges remains a solid route for acquiring the skills for building an exemplary portfolio. You’ll also get more opportunities to network with recognized interior design professionals.

What to Look for in Interior Design Colleges

With many interior design college programs available around the world, choosing where to apply can be tricky. Consider the following factors to help make your search easier and less overwhelming.

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)

Find out whether a program is CIDA-certified. CIDA is a non-profit accrediting body that sets and frequently refreshes standards to guarantee quality interior design education.

Accredited programs offer an assurance that students will gain the knowledge and skills required for practicing the profession. You’ll learn all the fundamentals necessary to become an interior designer, including technical expertise, theory and history.

These programs also give students access to networking events that feature professional designers, allowing them to get career advice and build connections. In the competitive field of interior design, creating meaningful relationships between newcomers and established professionals is critical for success.

Program Reputation

Students should consider the program's reputation when pursuing an interior design career. Reputation is one key to employability and success within this highly competitive industry.

In addition to being recognized by CIDA, consistent review and evaluation systems positively impact a program’s reputation. You’ll know a program is reputable based on alumni achievements. They should receive external recognition and acknowledgment from their peers in the industry. 

Course Format

Is the campus near your area, or do you need to move out to attend school? Some colleges offer both in-person and online programs. It is important to assess what format will work best based on your preferences.

Attending a program in person will give you more hands-on education alongside other learners. On the other hand, online courses offer students the convenience of studying from any location; of course, you won’t get as many networking opportunities and practical experiences as those available in physical classes.

Credit Transferability

Find out whether the program allows credit transfer. For example, if you are coming from best undergraduate interior design schools and planning to shift to interior design, you may avoid wasting time and money retaking similar coursework if credits are transferable. Credit transfers generally enable students to reduce the time needed to complete their degrees and fine-tune their curriculum to their interests.d

However, transferring credits can be a cumbersome process at some universities. So, even if you think you won’t need it in the future, you should still consider learning about how transferring credit works for your prospective school. Some schools make credit transferring a walk in the park. 

Graduation and Job Placement Rates

Despite the steady increase in global demand for interior design, competition in the field remains fierce. If your goal is to land a job in a firm after graduation, look into your prospective school graduation rates and track record for job placements.

You can consider Belmont University one of the best colleges for interior design, with 93% of 2018 BFA in interior design graduates landing employment in interior design and related fields within six months of graduation. Everyone who enrolled in the four-year program the same year successfully earned their degree.

Financial Considerations

Studying interior design is not cheap, especially if you’re thinking of transitioning to the best interior design schools. However, top quality schools are solid investments in one’s future. Accredited interior design programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars in yearly tuition fees alone. Therefore, it is crucial to consider financial matters. 

Find out about tuition costs, enrollment deposits, scholarships and any financial assistance the school offers. Some colleges, like Belmont University, offer a combination of need-based and merit-based aid to encourage students to study harder. You can also apply for a scholarship on top of the aid to further lessen your financial burden. Review the financial assistance programs of the school you choose and the eligibility requirements to ensure that you qualify in the first place.

If the college offers on-campus housing, learn about the charges and relevant rules. It also won’t hurt to research the college’s refund policies, if any, so you are prepared in case you no longer plan to complete a semester or a program. 

 Consider Visiting the Campus

A campus visit lets you see a college in person and provides a perspective that a catalog, brochure or website cannot. It is the ideal method to learn about the college's community and programs while getting a feel for its culture. You can check the state of the residence halls, the surrounding neighborhoods and key campus amenities like cafeterias, libraries and health centers.

Get to Know the Interior Design Instructors

The instructors are among the most overlooked yet important aspects when choosing interior design colleges. After all, they are among the factors that set self-learning apart from formal education. Learn about the instructors' degrees, experience, reputation, teaching styles and other traits important to you as a student. If you find impressive instructors, check if their availability matches yours.

Do More Research

Before enrolling in an interior design college program, do your homework. The college website is the easiest place to find information. See if it meets your needs by looking into the available courses, the curriculum requirements, the completion hours and other details. Finding other, seemingly less significant information, such as average class size, extracurricular activities and graduation rate, can also be beneficial. 

It is also important to assess which design major best fits your career aspirations. Many of the top design colleges also have architecture programs and opportunities for integrated design studios where students get experience working with fellow designers. 

Seek Wise Counsel

When you search for the best interior design schools on the internet, you’ll find many contradictory lists and recommendations. Consider seeking advice from trusted sources, like counselors, teachers and mentors. They will likely know what will fit your personality, career goals, financial situation, etc.

Jumpstart Your Career: Choose One of the Top Colleges for Interior Design

Deciding where to go to college does not have to be a confusing and stressful experience. Belmont University has all the best to offer. Students get to have a boutique experience, enjoy a beautiful campus and thrive in a warm and welcoming community. If you’re in Nashville, you won’t have to go far from your loved ones. If you’re coming from another state or country, you’ll be located in a place your loved ones will be eager to visit.