Best Interior Design Programs

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.

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.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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