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Home » Interior Design » 8 Best Interior Design Colleges and Institutes

Interior Design College and Institute

The art of interior design is the backbone of today’s real estate market. The sheer craft of putting together the best home design that not only reflects upon the homeowners’ personalities but also enriches the house with memories and positivity is nothing short of magic.

Interior designers are artists who make a person’s dream come true. They understand the philosophical bends that govern people’s lives and add vigor to home interiors. They take a mundane space and fill it with life. They manage their client’s expectations with articulate space planning while also developing design ideas to accommodate their hobbies, sustainability, and healthcare issues.

Interior design is not just about choosing the right furniture pieces and room decor. It is about using color theory to stimulate the residents. It is about improving functionality in both small and large spaces. It is about building a home in a piece of real estate.

If you are an aspiring interior designer then you already have a passion for the craft. Now all that is left is to find the ideal degree programs that will train you to hone your skills for the real world.

In today’s article, we are going to discuss the best interior design colleges that offer a wide array of coursework that will introduce you to the nuances of home design. You can choose a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree depending on how well you want to pursue your craft. We have no doubt that by the time you attain your interior design degree, you will be a master of the field.

8 Best Interior Design Colleges To Hone Your Specialization:

There are several colleges where you can learn the basics of interior architecture and design along with basic economics and management skills before you take a leap towards a career in interior design. The Pratt Institute, University of Cincinnati, Auburn University, and the Fashion Institute of Technology are all good choices for general education before divulging in different specializations while following a career in home design.

Now, let us look at some of the best interior design colleges that will help outshine your peers.

1. New York school of interior design

No surprise here, the New York school of interior design is certainly our top choice.

This private, non-profit institution has educated many successful interior designers. Their alumni are a glowing recommendation for the institution itself.

The New York School of Interior design offers one bachelor’s degree course and five master’s degree courses from which you can choose.

If you are located in and around Manhattan, you can opt for off-campus boarding and register for their extensive course in the interior design program. You can also opt to take

Location: 170 east, 70th street, New York – 10021

Bachelor’s degree program duration: 4 years

Tuition fees: $31,788

If you wish to enroll in this fine institution, you must plan ahead. Although enrollments are updated on a rolling basis, the applications must be sent in before the due dates.

The due date for application in Fall semester: 1st February

The due date for application in Spring semester: 1st October.

The application process: You must submit a copy of your SAT scores or ACT scores if you graduated from a high school in the United States. You must also attach two letters of recommendation and an essay stating why this is the perfect institution for you. Lastly, a portfolio is a necessity when applying to the NYSID.

You can apply for the courses online at www.nysid.edu/apply

Read also – How To Get The Interior Design Certification?

New York school of interior design

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2. Savannah college of art and design

Ranked as the second and best interior design college is the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia that promotes a positive learning experience for interior design students.

The SCAD offers a variety of courses that you can opt for. You can start with undergraduate coursework in BFA and follow up with a bachelor’s degree and even opt for a master’s degree if you so choose.

Location: 516, Drayton Street, Savannah, Georgia – 31401

Tuition fees (average for bachelor’s and master’s programs): $36616

The due date for early application: 1st November

The due date for regular admission: 15th January

Application process: The admission is SCAD is anything but competitive, however, you must have a substantial portfolio. You must attach a copy of your graduation certificate for undergrad or bachelor’s based on the course you choose along with LOR, SOP, and English proficiency. If it is applicable, you will also need to provide a copy of your SAT scores and GRE as required.

You can apply at https://www.scad.edu/admission/apply

Read also – 10 Best Online Interior Design Courses

Savannah college of art and design

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3. The new school – Parsons School of design

The Parsons school of design is a popular choice for students pursuing the art of design in any field. The innovative coursework and the inspiring learning environment of the new school appeal to students of fashion design and interior design alike. The college is well-connected with the design industry thus providing excellent opportunities to graduates and undergraduates to experience the strategies of the real world.

Location: 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, 10011

Fees: $46960 – $47500

The due date for application: 15th October for spring admissions, 1st November for early Fall Admissions, and 15th January for regular Fall Admission.

Application process: You must apply for the Parsons design courses with a transcript of your grades which must be 3.42 and over. It is necessary to provide transcripts from all former institutions.

You must also submit a 500-650 worded essay along with a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, your SAT or ACT scores, and a Portfolio with a dedicated section to the Parson’s challenge.

You can apply at https://apply.newschool.edu/apply.

Read also – Best Interior Design Magazines

interior design college - Parsons School of design

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4. Arizona state university

The Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute offers undergraduate and bachelor’s degrees in art and design courses. ASU campus offers various extra curriculums and clubs such as the energy club, Alpha Phi, Educator’s Rising club, and a dance club.

Location: 810 S Forest Mall, Tempe, Arizona – 85281

Tuition fees: $16500 – $36500 based on the course you choose.

Due date of application: 15th January for priority admission, 1st March for Summer Term, and 1st July for Fall Semester.

Application process: You must attach a copy of your 3.0 GPA along with transcripts from your former education programs. You also need to submit a graduate admission application and fees. Lastly, you need to furnish proof of English proficiency along with a portfolio, two contacts for recommendations, and a letter of intent.

You can apply at https://www.design.asu.edu.

Read also – Everything About Interior Design

Arizona state university - interior design college

5. Drexel university

The Drexel University is a place to not only educate interior design students in the subtle nuances of decorating a home but also to make them critical thinkers with innate skills and a sense of responsibility. The institution focuses on real-world values to prepare students for a career in the esteemed field of interior design.

Interior design students participate in a design studio culture to learn sustainability and diversity in their field of work.

Location: 3141, Chestnut Street, Philadelphia 19104

Fees: $30184 approximately, depending on the hours of credit you choose.

Due date of application: 6th November. Also, transfers are applicable on or before 14th June for Fall, 1st November for Winter, and 24th January for Spring semester.

Application process: You must submit all your former transcripts from various institutions along with an application essay, recommendations, financial capability (you can apply for financial aid as well), and a portfolio.

You can apply at https://www.drexel.edu.

Read also – Best Interior Design Software

Drexel university

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6. Florida State University

Florida State University offers a wide range of courses to educate students for the practices in the real world. Aside from dedicated courses in interior design, they also offer general education in design, mathematics, languages, psychology, economics, etc. Therefore, if you want to excel in your field with the innate skills of an interior designer, you can learn to be economical with your designs once you understand the client’s mindset by communicating with them in their preferred languages. All in all, you have a few choices to best the competition with skills no one else has.

Location: A 2500 University center, 282 Champions Way, Tallahassee, Florida – 32306 – 2400

Tuition Fees: $30184 for Bachelor’s degree

The due date for application: 1st Feb for Master’s program and 7th Feb for Bachelor’s degree

Application process: You must submit all your transcripts along with a letter of intent and your SAT or ACT scores. English proficiency test scores may be required for international students.

You can apply at https://www.interiordesign.fsu.edu.

Read also – How to Become an Interior Designer?

Florida State University

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7. George Washington university

One of the finest interior design colleges in the country is George Washington University in Washington D.C. This magnificent institution is dedicated to providing a thorough, full-time education in Interior architecture and design.

Due to the high standards of learning, the acceptance curve of this university is particularly selective. About 41 – 46% of applicants acquire successful admission each year based on their portfolio and overall application profiling.

Location: 2121 I Street, NW, Washington, DC – 20052

Tuition fees: $59758

The due date for application: 1st October

Application process: You must submit your high school transcripts (translated to English if it is in a foreign language.), your SAT or ACT scores, and completion of the college preparatory program. You also need to submit an essay, two letters of recommendation from counselors or faculty, a portfolio, and the short answers required in the common application process. Lastly, you must share your bank statements along with a verified affidavit of your financial aid (if any).

You can apply at https://www.gwu.edu.

Read also – Best Interior Design Communities

George Washington university

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8. Michigan state university

Location: 426 Auditorium Road East Lansing, Michigan – 48824

Tuition Fees: $41476

Due date of application: 1st February

Application process: You can apply using the common application or coalition application apps or go directly to the college website.

You will need to furnish your SAT or ACT scores along with the required minimum completion of high school coursework. You must also write an application essay and expressly share your special skills in varied activities, leadership, community service, etc.

You can apply at https://www.msu.edu.

Read also – AI-Powered Interior Design Software

Michigan state university

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Conclusion

There are several other institutions such as the University of Florida in Gainesville, San Francisco State University, The Art Institute of Atlanta, and others where you can pursue a general education or specialized coursework in the field of Interior Design.

You see, the art of interior design may not be as glamorous as Fine Arts or Liberal arts, or Art History programs in these schools but they sure offer more sustainability and a steady career. Although, if you want in-depth knowledge into the psyche of humankind, these courses aid in the process of interior design. Art history teaches you about brushwork, the renaissance of culture, and the ability to identify worthy works of art. You can easily acquire exquisite pieces for your clients when you know what to look for.

Similarly, the performing arts and fine arts courses equip you with the ability to interact, negotiate, and impress your clients. Granted these are soft skills, nonetheless, they are ones that you require in order to make a name for yourself in this cut-throat world.

Once you finish your courses, you must quickly prepare for the NCIDQ examination and attain the Council for interior design accreditation. The CIDA qualifies you as a licensed interior designer, thus you can embark on a journey for a brighter future.

General education will only get you so far but specialization in making people’s dreams come true is a career with unbound possibilities.

If you have difficulty managing the fee for a full-time course in one of the top colleges, you can always choose to take the courses at a State University. There are also several financial aid programs available for aspiring interior design students to help achieve their dreams with finesse.

So get started on one of the best career paths known to man. You can opt for jobs at a design firm or open your own design studio. There is no telling what you can achieve once you put your mind to it. And we are always here to wish you the best of luck in your design career.

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