Best Interior Design Programs
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A bachelor's in interior design program is typically the minimum educational requirement for entry-level jobs, making it the perfect degree for people looking to break into the field. These programs typically require 120 credits, or four years of full-time study, and include an internship requirement. Private and public colleges offer these programs, and many offer both in-person and online learning options.
The cost of an online bachelor's in interior design can vary widely, making it important that prospective students fully research their options. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job growth for interior designers looks to remain static from 2020-2030. That said, the BLS projects roles for industrial designers and art directors to grow by 6% and 11%, respectively, during the same period. Interior designers earned median annual wages of $60,340 as of 2021.
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Keep reading to find out which schools make our list of the best interior design programs, and discover which one may best fit your goals.
Our Top Pick
The Fashion Institute of Technology - New York City, New York
Why It's #1: The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is the number one ranked school on our best interior design programs list. This institution has a high graduation rate of 80%. About 73% of FIT's students receive financial aid. Entrance into this institution is more competitive than average, with a 54% admission rate. Additionally, 31% of students take advantage of online classes at FIT, making it a good option for distance learners.
Best Accredited Bachelor's in Interior Design Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $3,585
Out of State | $10,846
Credits to Graduate
60 plus general education requirements
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
New York's Fashion Institute of Technology is home to an interior design BFA program that prepares graduates for various careers in fields like manufacturing, showroom design, and furniture production.
In addition to general education requirements, students complete a 60-credit curriculum that includes classes such as interior design, lighting design, and design technology. Before graduation, degree-seekers complete an internship and a senior thesis design project.
This program is an ideal option for students transferring from another four-year institution or who hold an associate degree. Applicants typically have 60 general education credits before enrolling.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $1,691
Credits to Graduate
120-122
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
The University of Wisconsin's flagship campus in Madison offers a bachelor's in interior architecture that students usually complete in about four years. Alongside general education credits, students complete major requirements such as history of architecture and interiors and research methods in design. Learners also take a course on the multiple sections of interior design.
Prospective students should declare their interior architecture major upon enrolling and must complete a series of pre-major requirements. After completing prerequisites, professors and administrators evaluate their readiness for major requirements.
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $2,871
Out of State | Extra $396 per credit
Credits to Graduate
132
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Just outside Los Angeles, California State University-Long Beach is home to a BFA in interior design. Alongside general education requirements, students complete core major requirements, such as interior architectural model building. Other core classes include visualization for interior architecture and the history of furniture and decorative arts.
To gain admission into this competitive program, students must complete various prerequisites with a "C" grade or better. Additionally, students must submit a BFA portfolio that showcases work consistent with the program's standards.
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $62,110
Out of State | $62,110
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Based in Washington, D.C., George Washington University offers a BFA specializing in interior architecture. Throughout this major's 60-credit curriculum, students complete classes such as beginning sketching for designers, understanding materials and color, and basic sustainability design strategies. Before graduation, students must complete an internship at an approved professional site.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and can apply through the Common Application. Unlike other BFA programs, George Washington University does not require a portfolio for admission.
Harding University
Searcy, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $750
Out of State | $750
Credits to Graduate
130
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Established in 1924, Harding University is a private Christian institution that offers a bachelor's in interior design. In addition to general education requirements, students tackle 67 credits of major coursework. Core classes include topics such as the fundamentals of interior design, modern architecture and design, and an interior design internship.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and can apply online. Applicants must include official transcripts from high school and any institutions of higher education. Harding University is a test-optional institution as of July 2022.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $504
Out of State | $1,323
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Tech is a public research institution that is home to a four-year bachelor's in interior design. Before completing major coursework, degree-seekers tackle foundational design coursework alongside other courses in specialty areas like architecture and industrial design.
In addition to general education and foundational design courses, students take classes such as the history of interior design and contemporary practice in interior design.
Virginia Tech evaluates applicants primarily on high school performance and SAT or ACT scores. Prospective students are not required to submit a portfolio for admission.
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $46,250
Out of State | $46,250
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
While most Marist College students take coursework at the school's Poughkeepsie, New York campus, interior design students study at the school's campus in Florence, Italy. Throughout this undergraduate program, degree-seekers complete core requirements such as the history of architecture, the history of interior design, and introduction to interior design.
Marist College applicants must submit an application with academic transcripts, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, interior design applicants must submit and present a portfolio of relevant work.
Baylor University
Waco, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $25,869
Out of State | $25,869
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Based in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is a private research institution that offers a bachelor's in interior design. Baylor's interior design curriculum is informed by the school's Christian mission. Students complete core classes such as sustainable design, space planning, and design presentation techniques.
Baylor applicants can apply online and must hold a high school or GED diploma. Applicants must submit an essay, but SAT or ACT test scores are optional.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $15,436
Out of State | $42,022
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Michigan State University is a large public research institution that offers a CIDA-accredited bachelor's in interior design. Michigan State students complete a 120-credit curriculum that includes general education, elective, and major requirements. Core classes include topics such as interior design drafting, contemporary design issues, and the history of interior design.
Before gaining admission into this program, applicants need at least 28 credits with a minimum 2.50 GPA. Prospective interior design students must submit a portfolio to determine their placement in required coursework.
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $177
Out of State | $844
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Located in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University is a public institution that offers a bachelor's in interior design. Alongside general education coursework, degree-seekers complete foundational and advanced design classes. Coursework covers multiple sections of interior design, and students must complete a four-credit internship before graduating.
Appalachian State does not require a portfolio for admission. But interior design students must submit a portfolio following their first year of foundational classes.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor's in Interior Design ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 180 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a bachelor's degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
BestColleges' Ranking Factors
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design Programs
Is a bachelor's in interior design worth it?
Yes. Earning a bachelor's in interior design is often worth it as it helps graduates meet the educational qualifications required for many jobs in the field. Whether earning the degree online or in person, pursuing a bachelor's in interior design helps set graduates apart from other job candidates. It also signals to employers their commitment to the discipline.
While most students need four years of full-time learning to earn their degree, students looking to graduate early may find an accelerated program. These programs may require as few as 36 months of study.
What can I do with a bachelor's in interior design?
A bachelor's in interior design qualifies students to begin various roles based on their interests and career goals. Those who decide to go the traditional route can specialize their projects in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, office spaces, or corporate facilities. Others may decide to focus on a particular era or style, such as Victorian, craftsman, or modern.
Some graduates may decide that, rather than designing individual spaces, they want to design products and materials and work in interior design development. Others may decide they want to produce content about interior design and decide to work as an art director or writer.
What continuing education is available for interior design graduates?
Continuing education for interior design comes in many forms, making it easy for students to find a path that works best for them. Many learners decide to pursue a master's in interior design program. These degrees cover advanced subjects and let employers and clients know these professionals are committed to the discipline.
Continuing education units (CEUs) are also common within the interior design field. They allow students to build new skills and knowledge to complement existing competencies. For instance, someone looking to sharpen their skills in kitchen design may undertake several CEUs to learn about current trends and designs. Several respected organizations offer CEUs designed to fit individual needs.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in interior design?
As of 2021 BLS data, interior designers earned median yearly wages of over $60,000. Professionals in these roles who climb to the top 10% of workers can command salaries in excess of $99,070, while those just starting out can earn less than $30,930 per year.
Designers working in architectural, engineering, and related services tend to earn the most. These professionals made median salaries of $63,210 in 2021. Conversely, interior designers employed by furniture stores usually earn the least. These employers paid median salaries of only $48,790 during the same year.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in interior design?
Interior design graduates who decide to move into art direction earned median wages of $100,890 in 2021, as per the BLS. This salary is substantially higher than traditional design salaries. In fact, those in the top 10% of art directors took home salaries in excess of $194,130 in 2021. Similarly, industrial designers made a median pay of $77,030 the same year.
When considering maximum salary potential, people must consider several factors. For instance, a designer living and working in a large city will likely earn more than one in a rural area, as the cost of living is higher in cities. Other factors include experience, title, employer, and education.
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