Interior Designer College
How to Find the Best One Near Tempe Arizona

Now that you have made a decision to enroll in an interior design college near Tempe AZ, it's time to begin the process of picking a school. Even if you have always had a talent for designing residential or commercial spaces, it's important that you receive the proper training to put your skills to work. And because interior designers are licensed in several states, the college you select should prepare you to pass any required licensing test and provide the proper training for your specialty. So it's essential you perform the proper research in order to evaluate and compare each program that you are considering prior to making your final selection. But exactly where do you begin? A number of potential students will kick off their research by searching for interior design courses near their residence and then comparing tuition costs. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the interior design schools you are interested in in more detail below. 

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Questions to Ask Interior Design Schools

After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of reviewing your school options. Location will be a critical issue, especially if the campus must be within commuting distance from your Tempe AZ home. Obviously if you have decided on attending a school online, or are prepared to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualification. The fee for tuition will narrow down your choices also. But selecting the cheapest school or the one that is closest to your residence are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other issues that you need to look at as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the school. Below are a list of questions that you may want to address with the schools you are reviewing to get those answers in addition to others to help you examine and subsequently select the ideal degree program.

Is the Interior Designer School Accredited? It's essential to confirm that the interior designer program and school that you select has been accredited by either a regional or national organization. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools receiving accreditation from the NASAD have gone through a demanding evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just confirm that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency. Not only will it help establish that the reputation of the school and the quality of the training are exceptional, it might also help when obtaining financial aid or a student loan. Often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges. Also, many Tempe AZ employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level jobs.

Does the College Ready you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do require that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination in addition to a degree from an accredited school. And in some of those States calling for licensing, at least 2 years of work experience may be required as well. So in addition to providing an excellent education, the Tempe AZ college you select should also furnish the appropriate education to pass the NCIDQ exam and meet the minimum requirements for licensing for Arizona or the State where you will be employed.

What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will probably want some help in finding your first job. Ask the colleges that you are looking at if they have a job placement program. If so, find out what their job placement rates are. A higher rate is an excellent sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design field and its graduates are sought after. It may also signify that the school has a substantial network of Tempe AZ business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after they graduate.

Is Financial Aid Provided? Contact the financial assistance offices for the Tempe AZ colleges you are looking at and ask what type of support they provide. Many of interior designer colleges offer financial assistance to their new students. Various schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that choosing an accredited college is imperative for qualification in most cases. In some cases a college that has a higher tuition may actually be cheaper than its counterparts because they offer more generous financial aid.

How Large are the Classrooms? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are large, you probably will receive limited individual instruction from the teachers. Ask the Tempe AZ colleges you are looking at what their average student to teacher ratios are. If convenient from your Tempe home, visit the college and monitor a few classes. While there speak 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 Offered that Accommodate your Schedule? Last, make certain that the interior design program you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is particularly important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Tempe AZ, make certain that those classes are available. If working full-time means you can only enroll part-time, verify that is an option as well. Finally, check what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, family or illness.

Learn More About Becoming an Interior Designer in Tempe

Enroll in the Right Tempe Interior Design College

Picking the ideal interior designer school is an important initial step toward starting your career in this artistic and rewarding profession. Locating a school where you will receive your training and cultivate your skills in a particular area of study is a difficult task regardless of what major you have chosen. As with any endeavor to receive an advanced education, there are a number of points to think about before selecting a course, program or school. At a minimum, verify that the program and design college are both accredited and highly regarded in the business. It is still imperative that you perform your due diligence research. By doing so and following the remaining recommendations presented in this article, you will be able to properly evaluate and compare interior design schools so that you can make the appropriate final selection. And with quality training and your desire to succeed, you can accomplish your goal of becoming an interior designer in Tempe Arizona.

 

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