The Best Interior Design Schools in Each State

The best interior design schools will teach you design fundamentals, drawing, computer-aided design software, and business foundations to get your career off the ground. But not all schools are created equal.

To sit for NCIDQ, the most common certification exam for interior designers, you need a combination of education and hands-on work experience. If you’re ready to tackle the education portion, consider one of these top interior design schools.

How We Picked The Best Interior Design Schools

The Best Interior Design Programs by State

Every school on our list is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). A CIDA accreditation ensures the design program meets high standards and prepares entry-level interior designers for a career.

In most states, attending a CIDA-approved interior program is not required to work as a licensed or registered interior designer. You can view interior designer qualifications by state here. However, by attending a CIDA-accredited school, you can ensure that what you’re learning will help you gain a competitive edge in today’s interior design industry.

The CIDA updates accreditations on an ongoing basis, so check with your college of choice to ensure the accreditation is in good standing before enrollment. Colleges not on this list may have received a CIDA accreditation since the process is continuous. 

What Education Do You Need to be an Interior Designer?

Education requirements to become an interior designer vary by state. Some states have zero education or licensing requirements, while others require up to a bachelor’s degree.

To qualify to sit for the NCIDQ, the leading certification exam for interior designers, you must have a minimum of an interior design certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree plus 5,280 work experience hours. If you obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you only need 3,520 work hours to sit for the exam.

The Best Interior Design Programs by State

Click on the link below to be directed to program information for the college you’re interested in.


Alabama


Arizona


Arkansas


California


Colorado


Connecticut


Washington D.C.


Florida


Georgia


Hawaii


Idaho


Illinois


Indiana


Iowa


Kansas


Kentucky


Louisiana


Massachusetts


Michigan


Minnesota


Mississippi


Missouri


Nebraska


Nevada


New Jersey


New York


North Carolina


North Dakota


Ohio


Oklahoma


Oregon


Pennsylvania


South Carolina


South Dakota


Tennessee


Texas


Utah


Virginia


Washington


Wisconsin