Top Colleges for Interior Design in America

Interior design in the United States is a vibrant field that merges creativity, functionality, and aesthetics to enhance the human experience within spaces. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the top undergraduate colleges offering exceptional interior design programs, known for their innovative curricula, experienced faculty, and robust industry connections:

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Providence, RI

• Why It’s Great: RISD is renowned for its artistic rigor and creative environment, offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Architecture with a focus on adaptive reuse, sustainability, and innovative design practices.
• Notable Features: Two required co-op experiences, a strong emphasis on social and environmental responsibility, and access to RISD’s extensive resources and networks.

2. Pratt Institute – Brooklyn, NY

• Why It’s Great: Pratt’s School of Design offers a BFA in Interior Design, accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), known for its practical, hands-on learning approach in one of the world’s design capitals.
• Notable Features: Strong focus on sustainable design, a vibrant studio culture, and deep ties to New York’s design industry.

3. Parsons School of Design at The New School – New York, NY

• Why It’s Great: Parsons provides a BFA in Interior Design that’s deeply rooted in urban contexts, sustainability, and social impact, benefiting from its location in New York City.
• Notable Features: Rich cultural and architectural landscape of NYC, numerous opportunities for internships, and collaborations.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Savannah, GA

• Why It’s Great: SCAD offers a BFA in Interior Design with a curriculum that integrates technology, sustainability, and historical preservation, preparing students for diverse career paths.
• Notable Features: State-of-the-art facilities, a strong career services department, and an emphasis on professional development through real-world projects.

5. California College of the Arts (CCA) – San Francisco, CA

• Why It’s Great: CCA provides a BFA in Interior Design known for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore design through various artistic lenses.
• Notable Features: Focus on design thinking, sustainability, and the integration of technology, with access to the Bay Area’s dynamic design scene.

6. Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) – Boston, MA

• Why It’s Great: WIT’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is CIDA-accredited and emphasizes a practical, industry-focused curriculum. It prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce with a blend of technical skills and design theory.
• Notable Features: Strong industry connections in Boston, providing numerous internship and networking opportunities. The program includes studio courses, workshops, and real-world projects for hands-on learning, with a dedicated career services department for job placement and a focus on sustainable design principles.

7. University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH

• Why It’s Great: UC’s DAAP (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning) offers a B.S. in Interior Design, CIDA-accredited, with a significant emphasis on cooperative education, providing extensive professional experience.
• Notable Features: The co-op program is one of the longest and most robust in the nation, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

8. New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) – New York, NY

• Why It’s Great: NYSID is exclusively dedicated to interior design education, offering a BFA with a focus on both residential and commercial spaces, emphasizing cultural and historical contexts.
• Notable Features: Close connections to NYC’s design industry, small class sizes for personalized learning, and a curriculum balancing theory with practice.

9. Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, VA

• Why It’s Great: The School of Architecture + Design at Virginia Tech offers a B.S. in Interior Design, known for its innovative design studios and community-focused projects.
• Notable Features: Emphasis on sustainability, technology integration, and a supportive environment for student-led design initiatives.

10. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, MN

• Why It’s Great: The College of Design at UMN provides a B.S. in Interior Design, focusing on human-centered design, encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
• Notable Features: Strong local industry connections, extensive studio time, and opportunities for international study.

11. Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL

• Why It’s Great: FSU’s Department of Interior Architecture and Design offers a B.S. in Interior Architecture & Design, blending architecture with interior design principles.
• Notable Features: Emphasis on environmental responsibility with opportunities to work on real projects through design labs.

12. Kansas State University – Manhattan, KS

• Why It’s Great: Known for its strong studio culture, K-State’s Department of Interior Architecture & Product Design offers a B.S. where students can engage in hands-on projects from day one.
• Notable Features: Focus on both rural and urban design settings, with programs like Design+Make for practical project experience.

13. University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX

• Why It’s Great: UT Austin’s School of Architecture delivers a B.S. in Interior Design, integrating sustainability, technology, and cultural studies into the curriculum.
• Notable Features: Benefits from Austin’s vibrant design community, offering numerous networking and internship opportunities.

14. Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA

• Why It’s Great: Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design offers a B.S. in Interior Design with a unique co-op program where students gain professional experience in the field.
• Notable Features: Up to 18 months of paid co-op experience, enhancing resume and practical skills.

15. Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY

• Why It’s Great: Syracuse’s School of Architecture provides a B.F.A. in Interior Design, known for its rigorous studio-based learning and urban design focus.
• Notable Features: Opportunities for study abroad in Florence, Italy, enriching students’ global design perspective.

16. Cornell University – Ithaca, NY

• Why It’s Great: Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning offers an interdisciplinary approach to interior design, focusing on both the art and science of the field.
• Notable Features: Access to a wide range of resources, including the Rome program for international study experience.

Choosing the Right Program:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by CIDA or NASAD for recognized quality education.
• Location: Urban campuses might offer more direct industry access, while others provide unique regional design contexts.
• Practical Experience: Programs with co-op or internship requirements offer invaluable real-world exposure.
• Curriculum Focus: Look for programs that align with your interests, whether it’s sustainability, technology, or cultural studies.
• Faculty and Resources: Experienced faculty and well-equipped facilities can greatly enhance your education.

Selecting from these top programs will equip you with the necessary skills and connections to thrive in the ever-evolving field of interior design. Remember, the best fit for you will match your learning style, career aspirations, and design passion.