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Questions to Ask Interior Design Colleges
After you have selected the interior designer degree that you want to earn, you can start the task of evaluating your school options. Location will be a critical factor, particularly if the campus must be within driving distance from your Fond Du Lac WI residence. Naturally if you have decided on attending an online school, or are able to move to attend classes, then location might not be a qualifier. The cost of tuition will decrease your options also. But choosing the most affordable school or the one that is nearest to your house are not the ideal ways to make your selection. There are other factors that you need to look at as well, including the accreditation and reputation of the college. Following are a list of questions that you may want to address with the colleges you are considering to get those answers in addition to others to help you compare and subsequently select the right degree program.
Is the Interior Design College Accredited? It's imperative to make sure that the interior designer college and program that you select has been accredited by either a national or regional agency. One of the most respected in the industry is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Schools obtaining accreditation from the NASAD have undergone a demanding assessment of their programs and teachers. Just verify 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 verify that the reputation of the school and the quality of the education are outstanding, it may also help when requesting financial assistance or a student loan. Often they are not accessible for non-accredited schools. Also, many Fond Du Lac WI employers will only hire graduates of accredited colleges for entry level positions.
Does the College Prep you for Licensing? As we previously mentioned, some States do require that interior designers get 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 college. And in several of those States calling for licensing, 2 or more years of professional experience may be required as well. Therefore aside from furnishing an outstanding education, the Fond Du Lac WI program you select should also provide the suitable instruction to pass the NCIDQ exam and fulfill the minimum requirements for licensing for Wisconsin or the State where you will be working.
What is the School's Job Placement Rate? Once you have graduated and received your interior designer certification, you will undoubtedly want some assistance in finding your first job. Ask the programs that you are looking at 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 highly esteemed within the interior design field and its graduates are in demand. It could also signify that the college has a significant network of Fond Du Lac WI business connections where they can refer students to secure internships or jobs after graduation.
Is Financial Assistance Provided? Get in touch with the financial assistance offices for the Fond Du Lac WI schools you are reviewing and ask what type of support they offer. Many of interior designer colleges provide financial aid to their new students. Some schools provide partial scholarships while others provide assistance in obtaining federal student loans or grants. It must be emphasized again that selecting an accredited college is essential for qualification in most cases. In some cases a program that has a higher tuition may ultimately be cheaper than its counterparts because they provide more generous financial aid.
How Large are the Classes? Smaller classes are more personal and conducive to one on one instruction. If classes are larger, you probably will receive minimal individual instruction from the teachers. Find out from the Fond Du Lac WI programs you are considering what their average student to teacher ratios are. If practical from your Fond Du Lac home, visit the school and attend a couple of classes. While there speak with a few students and ask what their experiences have been. Ask the instructors what their teaching philosophies are and what their experiences have been in interior design.
Are Classes Accessible that Fit your Schedule? Last, confirm that the interior design school you select provides classes the fit your active schedule. This is especially significant if you will continue working while attending school. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Fond Du Lac WI, verify that those classes are available. If you have a full-time job and can only enroll part-time, check that is an option as well. Finally, check what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to illness, work or family emergencies.