Top 6 Best Interior Design Schools | 2017 Ranking | Interior Design Colleges

2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SCHOOLS

2017 Guide to the Top Interior Design Schools

Have you always received compliments on your decorating schemes? If your living space attracts the attention of all your guests, you’ve likely wondered if you have what it takes to be an interior designer full-time.

For those who have a knack for style, attending an interior design institute provides an opportunity to get the knowledge you need to find out.

You can choose to study interior design at any number of schools around the country, but wouldn’t you prefer to attend one of the best colleges for interior design?

Whether you want to focus on environmentally-friendly materials or the most modern design schemes, interior design schools can give you the education you need. An interior design degree is only a few years away when you enroll in one of these top interior design schools.

Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Interior Design Schools

We want you to be able to realize your interior decorating dreams, which is why we put together this guide to the top schools for interior design. You’ll find out where they’re located, how much tuition costs, and what you can expect to learn from these best interior design schools.

Are you ready to enroll in a new future surrounded by color palettes and fabric swatches? Don’t wait another minute to consider one of these top interior design schools to realize your dreams.

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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Interior Design Schools

List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the interior design schools below to go directly to the detailed review section for that interior design institute):

• Cornell University
• New York School of Interior Design
• Parsons School of Design at The New School
• Pratt Institute
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Savannah College of Art and Design 

Top 6 Best Interior Design Schools | Brief Comparison & Ranking

Table: Top 6 Best Interior Design Colleges | Above list is sorted alphabetically

What Is the Difference Between an Interior Decorator and Designer?

A lot of consumers find themselves wondering what the difference really is between an interior decorator and an interior designer. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between these two titles.

First, an interior decorator does not require the same education as an interior designer. While they may have taken an interior designer course or two, a decorator is not fully accredited from an interior design university. They are professionals who have an eye for color palettes, fabrics, and textures but do not have the education behind it.

An interior designer typically spends several years working hard to study interior design. They may have an associate or bachelor’s degree depending on which of the top interior design schools they attended.

An excellent interior designer is typically well-versed in the local building codes for their area. They may learn these through the best interior design schools or through experience in the field over time. This allows them to know what changes they can and cannot make regarding plumbing, electricity, and more.

States set their own criteria for individuals who want to hang out a shingle as an interior designer. In most states, you must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. Other states may have stricter or slightly modified requirements.

Keep in mind that you must pass this exam in order to be a licensed interior designer. While you can do decorating work or interior design work without the license, you will not be able to advertise yourself under the “interior designer” label. It will be impossible for you realize your dreams of this without going to one of the interior design schools.

The best colleges for interior design allow you to earn the education you need to pass the NCIDQ exam and earn your license. Individuals who solely want to focus on decorating work will not need to attend any of the top interior design schools to do so.

Decide whether the title is significant to you and if it will open up more business opportunities over the long run. If so, you may want to start investigating the reviews of some of the best colleges for interior design included in our ranking below.

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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?

Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.

Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Interior Design Schools

Below, please find the detailed review of each school on our list of top interior design schools. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these interior design colleges to score so highly in our selection ranking.

Cornell University Review

Students who had their hearts set on attending an Ivy League school may find a nice surprise with Cornell University. The only prestigious Ivy League school to offer a program for an interior design career, Cornell University is steeped in rich history and tradition.

Students who wanted to attend an interior design university with a lengthy history will adore Cornell University. They were founded in 1865 and have since developed over 14 colleges and schools, one focused on becoming one of the top interior design colleges.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Interior Design Schools

See all of the contributing factors that led us to classify Cornell University as one of the best interior design schools.

Education

The program at Cornell University’s top interior design schools has a slightly different focus than some of the other interior design colleges. Their degree program is known as Design and Environmental Analysis (DEA). Their schools for interior design include a bachelor’s degree program, as well as a master’s degree.

All of the programs through Cornell University’s best interior design schools are accredited by the Council for Interior Design and the Facility Management Accreditation Commission.

Because this focus is slightly different than what modern or traditional interior design schools offer, it’s important to note that you will focus on sustainability heavily. The sustainable futures section of your interior design degree at their interior design institute will focus on:

• Green ergonomics
• LEED certification
• Sustainable building, materials, and processes
• Resilient and regenerative design

Image Source: Cornell University

Tuition

Cornell University has a fairly reasonable tuition rate when you consider that it is an Ivy League school and one of the best interior design schools. Full-time tuition will cost you roughly $33,200 not including your textbooks, housing, or health insurance.

The additional expense for room and board, books, travel expenses, medical insurance, and more comes to an estimated $25,000 above the tuition rates.

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New York School of Interior Design Review

Ranked by Design Quarterly as the best interior design institute for undergraduate programs, the New York School of Interior Design boasts some impressive recognition. Founded in 1916, the New York School of Interior Design focuses on providing a comprehensive and immersive education. This mindset is a huge part of what has allowed it to become one of the top interior design schools in the country.

Right in the heart of New York, New York, NYSID is also right in the center of modern city living.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Interior Design Schools

For more information on what allowed the New York School of Interior Design to rank as one of the top interior design schools, see the review section below.

Education

A major advantage to this choice among best interior design colleges is the flexibility within their program. Students who want to attend interior design colleges without a long-term commitment can earn a certificate after just one year. Credits for that interior designer course (the Basic Interior Design program) can then be applied to an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Each of the programs allows you to build upon it with additional credits until you reach your Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design. The option to continue at your own pace makes NYSID one of the best interior design schools.

Individual classes and the Basic Interior Design certificate program are available online.

Class sizes are relatively small with only 538 total students enrolled in their best colleges for interior design. The majority of students enrolled are a part of their undergraduate program, with just over 150 students in the graduate program. 

This is also one of the top interior design schools because of the impressive job placement rate. When it comes to undergraduate programs, 92% of all graduates were employed within six months of graduation. Graduate students have an even higher job placement rate at 95% within six months of graduation.

Tuition

Tuition is broken down into the cost per credit, in addition to your enrollment deposit. For the undergraduate programs, including the certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree programs, the cost per credit is $950.

The enrollment deposit for their interior design university is less at just $350.

Parsons School of Design at The New School Review

Another of the top interior design schools located in New York City, Parsons School of Design at the New School educates all types of artists. Because Parsons is part of this larger university, students can enhance their study of design with courses in the liberal arts, performing arts and social sciences.

Not only is Parsons well-known for being one of the best interior design schools, but it also offers plenty of other programs. Areas of study expanded over the years to encompass more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs around the world. You may even be able to take advantage of their global reach with campuses found in Paris, Shanghai, and Mumbai.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Interior Design Schools

Find out what the advantages are to the Parsons School of Design that allowed us to call it one of the top interior design schools in New York.

Education

Much like Cornell University, Parsons School of Design focuses heavily on sustainability within their interior design college. Students are encouraged to think of the impact their work will make on society as a whole. Creativity and sustainability are highly prized attributes throughout the education you’ll find at the Parsons interior design colleges.

Students who aren’t ready to make a long-term commitment to the best interior design schools can enroll in their eight-course certificate program. You’ll learn the basics of how to design interiors and exteriors, as well as perspective drawing.

Full enrollment in their interior design colleges can lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree in interior design. Students are expected to create a variety of interior scenes in small groups, with a focus on sustainability. Careers after these programs are infinite, including opening a private practice, working in a consulting office, or designing exhibitions.

Tuition

In comparison to schools such as the New York School of Interior Design, Parsons can seem very expensive. This arts school is located in one of the most expensive cities, New York City, and the tuition rates certainly reflect that. This best interior design school costs approximately $22,540 per term.

While housing in New York City can certainly be expensive, you may want to consider finding an alternate place to live. Residence rates will vary depending on which dorm you prefer to stay in and whether you plan to share the room with someone else. A single room can cost as much as $23,960 per term.

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Pratt Institute Review

Pratt Institute landed one of the top spots as an interior design college according to DesignIntelligence. Their Bachelors of Fine Arts in interior design is ranked as the second program in the United States, making this easily one of the best interior design schools to investigate.

The college itself maintains three campuses spread around various parts of New York. However, their best interior design schools are located in the heart of New York, New York at their Manhattan campus. Interdisciplinary programs and experienced faculty members all play a part in why this school qualified as one of the best interior design colleges.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Interior Design Schools

What were the contributing factors that classified Pratt Institute as one our top choices among interior design colleges? The details are in the breakdown below.

Image Source: Pratt Institute

Education

When it comes to their undergraduate course of study, 93.2% of all students can graduate within the expected four years. The area of study from their top interior design schools mostly focuses on architecture with spatial design and surface embellishment. Students get hands-on time in the studios within their interior design college to put their education into practice.

You can expect to spend six semesters studying in the studio and one full year working on a thesis project. The experience this lends students is a huge advantage and a contributing factor to labeling Pratt Institute one of the best interior design schools.

Students who are worried about whether or not studying at the top interior design colleges will get them a job can set aside their worries. Job placement rates are incredibly high with the Pratt Institute. Just eight months after graduation, they can boast a 93% job placement rate.

Tuition

Tuition is high at the Pratt Institute, even among the top interior design schools in the country. You’ll find that tuition for both residents and commuters costs $46,140 for both spring and fall semester during the 2016-2017 academic year.

When you factor in all of the other prices, the total rises much higher to $63,448 per year. See below for the detailed breakdown of some additional fees:

• Academic or activity fees: $994
• Technology fee: $650
• Room: $6,418
• Board: $4,126
• Books and supplies: $1,750

Rhode Island School of Design Review

Nestled further away from the bustling center of New York City, the Rhode Island School of Design is tucked away in Providence, Rhode Island. Considered one of the best interior design colleges, the Rhode Island School of Design has a unique program and a top-rated facility.

One of the major features that draws students into their interior design college is the affiliation with Brown University. For no additional cost to their tuition, students can also register for classes at Brown University to expand their academic selections. Likewise, they may also participate in supplemental activities and make use of their athletic facilities.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Interior Design Schools

Consider these top reasons we qualified the Rhode Island School of Design as a top choice for the best interior design institute.

Education

As opposed to many of the best interior design schools, the Rhode Island School of Design has a focus on interior architecture. The design of interior spaces is enhanced at their interior design college through courses including:

• Spatial dynamics
• Human factors
• Building structures and systems for adaptive reuse
• Scheme detailing
• Drawing for interior architecture

Students who earn their bachelor’s degree at this interior design college can find positions at any number of companies. They may enter into practice for themselves, design furniture, become an interior designer, or choose a completely unique path. The education provided by this top interior design school prepares students for multiple possibilities.

The demographics of the Rhode Island School of Design ensure that your class sizes stay relatively small. Despite their vast selection of majors and courses, only 2,000 undergraduate students are enrolled in the school as of the fall semester of 2016. The faculty to student ratio remains low at 10:1 and only 16 students are in each class on average. 

Tuition

How much does it cost to attend one of the best interior design schools? The Rhode Island School of Design is right in line with the tuition offered by other interior design colleges each year. For undergraduate degree programs, you can expect to pay approximately $46,800 each year.

Additional funds will be necessary to cover your essentials at this interior design college. Books and supplies will cost an estimated $2,700. Room and board, for students who prefer to live on campus, adds an additional $12,800 onto the cost.

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Savannah College of Art and Design Review

Repeatedly rated as the number one interior design institute by DesignIntelligence, the Savannah College of Art and Design has a program that will prepare you for your future career path. 2016 marked the fifth consecutive year of being placed in the top spot with this well-recognized industry publication.

Students will even have flexibility at Savannah College of Art and Design to choose which campus they prefer to attend to study interior design. Their bachelor’s degree program is available in Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Savannah.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Interior Design Schools

For more information on the Savannah College of Art and Design as one the top choices for interior design colleges, the review section is below.

Education

The programs included from this top interior design school are a huge contributing factor to labeling this one of the best interior design schools. Not only do they offer a traditional bachelor’s degree program, but you can also earn an MA (available online) or an MFA.

The mission of all three programs is to teach students to work collaboratively to form innovative designs. Furthermore, they expect students to apply ethics to each situation to find an excellent option for social, environmental, and global design.

Not only are the interior design colleges considered to be a top choice for students, but they also offer several related fields of study. Consider pursuing a double major or a minor in one of these fields to increase your chances of finding a job after graduation:

• Architecture
• Furniture design
• Urban design
• Service design

Tuition

Tuition for SCAD is lower than some of the other top interior design schools included on our ranking. This certainly plays out in its favor, with full-time tuition for an academic year coming in at just $35,190.

Room and board rates depend on the type of rooming situation you’re comfortable with, as well as the campus you choose to attend. While some rates can reach as high as $10,600 per year, others are considerably lower. Choosing to split your room at the interior design colleges can lower the balance to $8,400 annually.

Conclusion—Top 6 Best Interior Design Schools

Launch your interior design career by attending one of the well-recognized and prestigious interior design colleges included on our ranking. Whether you want to focus on architecture, sustainable design, or modern spaces, these top interior design schools have something to offer each student.

Keep in mind that the right interior design colleges for you will be a completely unique decision. Your interior design career can take so many different paths that you need to select a program carefully for its major area of study.

Decide where you will want to live and the type of interior design degree you hope to graduate with. When you combine these preferences with the cost of tuition and the amount of financial aid or scholarships you receive, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the right interior design schools for you.

Which of these best interior design schools will put you on the path to success with your interior design career?