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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges
Now that you have decided on the interior design degree that you would like to earn, you can begin the task of evaluating your college options. Location will be a critical issue, particularly if the college must be within commuting distance from your Appleton WI home. Naturally if you are interested in attending a school online, or are willing to move to attend classes, then location may not be a qualification. The expense for tuition will decrease your options as well. But picking the cheapest school or the one that is nearest to your residence are not the optimal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you should consider also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the college. Below are a few questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to obtain those answers as well as others in order to help you assess and subsequently choose the appropriate degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer program and college that you choose 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). Colleges obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have gone through an extensive evaluation of their programs and instructors. Just verify that both the degree program and the college have been accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Not only will it help verify that the reputation of the college and the quality of the education are outstanding, it might also help when obtaining financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not available for non-accredited schools. Also, many Appleton WI employers will only employ graduates of accredited programs for entry level jobs.
Does the College Prepare you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, a number of States do mandate that interior designers become licensed. This would require a passing score on the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination as well as a degree from an accredited school. And in several of those States requiring licensing, 2 or more years of work experience may be required also. So besides furnishing an excellent education, the Appleton WI college you select should also provide the appropriate instruction to pass the NCIDQ examination and fulfill the minimum licensing requirements for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the College's Job Placement Rate? After you have graduated and earned your interior design certification, you will undoubtedly want some support in finding your first position. Ask the colleges that you are reviewing if they have a job placement program. If yes, ask what their job placement rates are. A high rate is a good sign that the college and its programs are held in high esteem within the interior design profession and its students are in demand. It might also signify that the college has a large network of Appleton WI business relationships where they can refer students to obtain internships or employment after they graduate.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Appleton WI colleges you are looking at and ask what kind of support they offer. Many of interior design schools provide financial assistance to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide support in acquiring federal student loans or grants. It must be stressed again that enrolling in an accredited college is important for qualification in most cases. Often a college that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial assistance.
How Large are the Classes? Small classes are more intimate and conducive to personalized instruction. If classes are larger, you may receive minimal individual attention from the teachers. Ask the Appleton WI programs you are considering what their typical student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Appleton home, go to the campus and attend a couple of classes. While there talk with a few 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? Finally, confirm that the interior design college you select offers classes the fit your hectic schedule. This is especially important if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Appleton WI, confirm that those classes are offered. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll 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.