Top 10 Interior Design Schools in the US

Interior design is a growing field that offers many opportunities for creative and passionate individuals. If you're considering a career in this field, there are many avenues to pursue. When choosing an interior design school, it is essential to consider the program's curriculum, accreditation and reputation.

In this post, we've put together a list of the top 10 interior design schools in the US to help you decide which one is right for you. However, if you're unsure if this is the right field for you and want to get an idea of what it entails, you can try a free online course first. There are many online interior design courses, including our Planner 5D Design School, that let you test the waters.

What is an interior design school?

Interior design schools specialize in programs in interior design. Students enrolled in these programs learn about color theory, furniture design and the principles of space planning. They also develop skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and project management.

Interior design students also learn about the history and theory of interior design and gain practical skills needed to create functional and beautiful spaces. In addition, they can participate in internships and other hands-on learning experiences.

After completing an accredited interior design school program, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level designers. They can pursue careers in residential or commercial design firms or find jobs in the hospitality industry, retail sector or as independent consultants.

How are interior design schools ranked?

Design schools may be ranked based on the quality of their programs, their faculty, the success of their graduates, or a combination of these and other factors. Rankings can also vary depending on the source. For example, some publications focus on undergraduate programs while others evaluate graduate programs.

When looking at rankings, it's important to remember what type of program you're interested in and what criteria are used to create the list. With that said, here are a few reputable sources that publish regular rankings of interior design schools, including Architectural Digest, Design Intelligence and The Princeton Review, to name a few.

Interior design degrees and certificates

There are several different types of interior design degrees that you can obtain depending on your educational goals and career aspirations. The most common type of degree is the Associate's degree, which usually takes two years to complete. This degree will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge needed to enter the field of interior design.

If you wish to pursue a more advanced career in interior design, you may want to consider obtaining a Bachelor's or Master's degree. These programs typically take four years and two years to complete, respectively. With these more advanced degrees, you will gain a deeper understanding of interior design principles and practices. Additionally, you will be better prepared to enter management or leadership positions in the field of interior design.

There are several different certificates that you can obtain in interior design. The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is among the most popular. Most states recognize this certificate as the standard for professional practice in interior design. To be eligible for the NCIDQ, you must have a bachelor's degree in interior design, complete a six-week internship and pass a two-day examination.

Another popular certificate is the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential. This credential demonstrates your knowledge of green building principles and practices. You must complete a training program and pass an examination to earn a LEED AP.

There are also some specialized certificates that you can obtain, such as the Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) credential, the Certified Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID) or the Certified Remodeling Project Manager (CRPM), to name a few. These credentials can help you to specialize in a particular area of interior design and showcase your expertise to potential employers.

What is CIDA accreditation?

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) is the accrediting body for interior design programs at colleges and universities in the United States.

CIDA-accredited programs are evaluated against rigorous educational standards to ensure that they provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of interior design. The accreditation is voluntary and only programs that meet or exceed the standards are granted accreditation.

Currently, there are over 150 CIDA-accredited programs across the country. Graduates from a CIDA-accredited program can apply for professional certification through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Graduates of non-accredited programs may also qualify for the NCIDQ examination, but they may need to complete additional coursework first.

The NCIDQ examination is considered the gold standard in the industry and is required to practice interior design in many states. CIDA accreditation is important when choosing an interior design program, as it can provide students with greater opportunities after graduation.

List of the best interior design schools in the US

Savannah College of Art and Design, ​​​​Savannah, GA

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers a comprehensive interior design program. The curriculum covers everything from basic design principles to advanced projects, and students have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors who are leaders in the field.

In addition, the program provides students with a strong foundation in liberal arts, which helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a result, graduates of the program are well-prepared for a successful career in interior design.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MA, MFA
• Online Degree Program: BFA, MA and MFA
• CIDA-Accredited: Yes
• Tuition: $38,340/ year

Parsons School of Design (The New School), New York, NY

The Parsons School of Design offers an innovative interior design program that prepares students for a career in this rapidly growing industry. The program emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

In addition to traditional coursework in design principles and history, students in the program have the opportunity to participate in hands-on internships and study abroad opportunities. As a result, Parsons School of Design graduates are well-positioned to launch successful careers in interior design.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MFA
• CIDA-Accredited: No
• Tuition: $26,854/full-time semester

New York School of Interior Design, New York, NY

The New York School of Interior Design offers a wide variety of programs for students interested in pursuing a career in interior design. The school's associate program is a two-year program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to start their careers in interior design.

The school also offers a four-year bachelor's program for students who want to continue their education and earn a degree in interior design. In addition, the New York School of Interior Design offers a one-year master's program for students who want to specialize in a particular area of interior design.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MFA, MPS
• CIDA-Accredited: Yes
• Tuition: $1,150/credit (16-17 credits per full-time semester)

Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI

The Rhode Island School of Design is one of the country's most prestigious and well-ranked art and design schools. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, architecture, fashion design and graphic design.

RISD offers courses in architecture, industrial design and interior architecture at the certificate, bachelor's and master's degree levels. The school is also well-known for having the highest concentration of artists in the country.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MA
• CIDA-Accredited: No
• Tuition: $56,435/ year (full-time students, undergrad and graduate)

Pratt Institute, New York, NY

The Pratt Institute is one of the leading schools for interior design, offering an architecturally oriented program with an emphasis on spatial design and surface embellishment. The curriculum focuses on technical skills and creative thinking, giving students a well-rounded education in interior design.

The program includes coursework in design theory, history, and studio art, as well as technical drawing and computer-aided design classes. Students can work with experienced faculty members and participate in internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MFA
• CIDA-Accredited: Yes
• Tuition: $55,575/ year (full-time students)

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

The University of Cincinnati's School of Architecture and Interior Design offers a comprehensive interior design program. In addition to theoretical and practical coursework covering design theory and history topics, students get plenty of hands-on experience and have the opportunity to participate in internships and study abroad programs.

The University of Cincinnati's interior design program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. With its strong academic reputation and commitment to helping students grow, the University of Cincinnati is an excellent choice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in interior design.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BS
• Graduate Degrees Offered: None
• CIDA-Accreditation: Yes
• Tuition: $6,588/ semester (Ohio residents), $14,255/semester (non-residents)

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

The Syracuse University interior design program is one of the top programs in the country. It is known for its rigorous curriculum and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the field. The program offers students a chance to study under some of the most respected designers in the industry.

The curriculum focuses on developing well-rounded designers who can create functional and beautiful spaces. There is a strong emphasis on student research, and students have opportunities to present their work at national conferences. As a result, graduates of the Syracuse University interior design program are highly sought after by employers.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA, BID (Bachelor of Industrial Design)
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MFA
• CIDA-Accreditation: Yes
• Tuition: $58,440/ year

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Cornell offers a four-year bachelor's degree in interior design. The program is known for its strong foundation in the liberal arts, which gives students a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the field of interior design. It allows students to study under some of the most respected names in the field.

The curriculum is rigorous, but it is also designed to give students a well-rounded education. In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in internships and study abroad programs, which offer them real-world experience in the field of interior design.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BS
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MA, MS
• CIDA-Accreditation: Yes
• Tuition: $62,546/year

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University's interior design program emphasizes theoretical and practical training, giving students the skills they need to succeed in the field. The curriculum is rigorous, but it also allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests.

In addition, the program provides opportunities for internships and study abroad, which can help students gain real-world experience. As a result, graduates of the Drexel University interior design program are highly sought-after by employers.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BS
• Graduate Degrees Offered: MS
• CIDA-Accreditation: Yes
• Tuition: $54,766/ year

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY

The Fashion Institute of Technology's interior design program is one of the country's most highly regarded and competitive. The curriculum is very demanding, and students are expected to complete a rigorous course of study that includes classroom work and hands-on experience.

Students take classes in various subjects, including color theory, fabric selection, furniture design and lighting. They also have the opportunity to participate in internships with leading design firms.

• Undergraduate Degrees Offered: BFA
• Graduate Degrees Offered: None
• CIDA-Accreditation: Yes
• Tuition: $3,585/semester (NY students)  $10,846 (out-of-state students)

Conclusion

Many interior design schools in the US offer a wide range of programs and services to help students succeed in this field. These schools have experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections.

With so many great options available, there is sure to be a school that is the perfect fit for you. However, keep in mind that not every school is the right fit for every student. Do your research to determine which program best suits your needs and goals.

FAQ

What is an interior designer?

Interior designers use their knowledge of space planning, color theory and furniture design to create functional and aesthetically-pleasing indoor spaces. In addition to being skilled in the technical aspects of design, interior designers must also be able to communicate with clients and other design team members effectively.

What does an interior designer do?

An interior designer is someone who plans and supervises the design and decoration of the interior of a building. They work closely with architects and contractors to ensure that the finished product meets the specified requirements and budget. An interior designer may be responsible for selecting the flooring, paint colors, window treatments, furniture and accessories, space planning and layout, lighting design and acoustics.

Where did the best interior designers go to school?

While there are some great design programs, there is no one “right” school for becoming an interior designer. Many of the best interior designers come from various backgrounds and educational experiences. They often start by working in related fields such as architecture or home improvement.

Is an interior design degree worth it?

An interior design degree can open doors to many exciting and creative careers. While an interior design degree is not required to pursue a career in this field, it can give graduates a competitive edge in the job market. In addition, interior designers who have completed a degree program often find that they are better prepared to start their businesses or take on higher-level positions within their companies.

How much do interior designers make?

The average interior designer makes $50,000 annually, although salaries can range from $30,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location and type of employer. Interior designers in major metropolitan areas earn more than those in smaller cities or towns.