15 Best Interior Design Schools

Interior designing is a path that rewards creativity and originality while also integrating classic teachings. The best interior design schools are those that provide a hands-on approach to the subject and provide ample internship and practical opportunities. Having a formal education to excel in interior design has become increasingly necessary, and the best interior design schools are the ones recognised by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, CIDA. Still, it is majorly for US universities only. Here are the 15 best interior design schools with the best education to know if you plan to go forward with the interior design path.

1. The New School, Parsons School of Design, USA

Address - 66 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $25,861. 
Ranked 68th in the list of most innovative schools, Parsons had framed interior design as a very ‘intellectually rigorous creative force in everyday life’ and had launched its first interior design course in 1906. This is one of the best interior design schools but is not CIDA accredited. Now to form a strong foundation for the future careers of the students, the Parsons School of Design provides a research-based, intensive curriculum. The students work toward sustainable and diverse spaces with the faculty and peers, being a part of Parsons’s School of Constructed Environments. Art history, design theory, hand drawings and renderings, along with the study of materials, are some of the courses offered. People with a prior college education can opt for the two-year Associate of Applied Science interior design degree, but they also offer a 4 year BFA and graduate programs for concentrated fields. Being one of the best interior design schools, it provides a great education, and the students leave excelling in subjects like set, event, interior, lighting and exhibition design. 

2. Florence Design Academy, Italy

Address - Via S. Gallo, 55, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $7376, and the enrollment fee is around $583
The Florence Design Academy is also called the FDA and is one of the best interior design schools in Europe and has ranked in subjects like graphic design, interior design and industrial design consistently. Two main interior design courses are offered at FDA one for students that have no prior experience in this field, called the Academic Interior design course and one for students and professionals with prior experience who want to improve their skill and knowledge, called the master interior design course. They also offer a course that allows students to combine their interior design course with master of either industrial or graphic design called the dual Master's Course in Interior Design. And don't worry, all the programs are entirely taught in English!

3. Savannah College of Art and Design, USA

Address - 516 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $38,340.
Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the best interior design schools that can be found and has been given that recognition for years consistently. This school is CIDA accredited and really encourages the students to think critically, innovate, take part in collaborative projects and practice effective communication. Excelling not just in the classroom but also otherwise, SCAD organises a 3-day event called SCADstyle, which renowned editors, architects and designers attend. The students are offered experiences in the real world with their collaborative design studio called SCADpro. They have satellite campuses in Atlanta and Lacoste, France, that offer global education to their students that they also offer career prep through mock interviews, resume building and portfolio development. SCAD has definitely earned its spot on the list of the best interior design schools. 

4. Visual College of Art & Design, Canada

Address -  500-626 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC.
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $27,405
Visual College of Art & Design, or the VCAD, is also known as the  Vancouver College of Art & Design, and it offers career-oriented detailed programs that will equip the students with the required knowledge to succeed later on. A normal interior design diploma is offered and along with that, a Co-op interior design program is also available. Working in a real-world environment and enhancing talent and skills is what is done in the co-op programme. Make sure to take advantage of these amazing courses and apply to VCAD, one of the best interior design schools in the world.

5. Pratt Institute, USA

Address - 200 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn, New York
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $51,754
The Pratt Institute in new york is usually recognised as being one of the best interior design schools, and the interior design program is part of the School of Design. The course they offer is very architecturally oriented and places an emphasis on surface embellishment and spatial design. A competitive setting is how it is in their sophomore year after a year of the foundation course. The school has a BFA and MFA program, both of which have a thesis project during the final year of study. This university is also CIDA accredited. 

6. Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia

Address - 2 Short St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $43,241
The Whitehouse Institute of Design has constantly been known as one of the best interior design colleges and has multiple campuses in Melbourne and Sydney. In Australia, this college has been ranked number 1 by multiple surveys and domains for interior design. The Whitehouse Institute of Design offers a 2-year undergraduate or bachelors in interior design and a 1-year postgraduate diploma or master's in interior design in their chosen discipline. This institute is one of the best interior design schools with a lot of notable alumni.

7. Cornell University, USA

Address - 616 Thurston Ave., Ithaca, NY 14853
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $39,466
Taught under the College of Human Ecology’s Human-Centered Design Department through the Design and Environmental Analysis program, interior design is a STEM-certified program that enables them to focus on a particular elective after a foundational course. 3 primary themes are present under which the specialisations are focused, and they are well-being, design strategy and innovation and sustainable futures. This university is also CIDA accredited. Off-campus study, minors and honours thesis can also be pursued along with their chosen area of expertise. 

8. New York School of Interior Design, USA

Address - 170 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $1,095 in tuition per credit.
New York School of Interior Design, or NYSID, encourages students to look at design through cultural, historical and social lenses with a focus on liberal arts. The students look at all parts of interior design with not just presentation but also legal, business and administrative sides of the industry and gain effective communication skills and technical proficiency. This university is also CIDA accredited. NYSID also helps its students prepare for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination by equipping the skills needed in their students. The internships and study abroad programs are another reason that NYSID is one of the best interior design schools. 

9. Syracuse University, USA

Address - 400 Ostrom Ave. Syracuse, NY 13244. 
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $55,920.
Syracuse University is also known as one of the most admired interior design schools and encourages students to solve problems through critical thinking and mimic a studio environment which is like a professional setting. They encourage students to explore architecture and art, understand the impacts of design and embrace social responsibility. Along with liberal arts, the focus is on cross-disciplinary projects and philosophies. This university is also CIDA accredited. Students are encouraged to study abroad in places like London or Florence and find internships in the city. If you think you need financial help, you can check out how to get a student loan. 

10. Fashion Institute of Technology, USA

Address - 227 West 27th Street New York, NY 10001 - 5992.
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $10,846 for out-of-state students and $3,585 for in-state students. 
Fashion Institute of Technology or FIT is definitely one of the best interior design schools that is known for producing some of the most creative and talented professionals in the industry. Their focus on environmental standards through a hands-on approach and practical skills helps their students gain skills that are extremely helpful in the future and also make them proficient in business, technology and presentation skills. This university is also CIDA accredited. There are projects where the students create a design project which is later presented and evaluated by a panel of professionals. 

11. Rhode Island School of Design, USA

Address - 20 Washington Pl, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $55,220.
Rhode Island School of Design is considered one of the best interior design schools because of its focus on arts education and making sure that the foundation of the subjects is strong with the students. A unique look at the field is shown and an interesting dialogue about architecture is started, Communicating ideas through drawings is encouraged and navigating a collaborative work environment is taught. There is a focus on the holistic approach. 

12. Kansas State University, USA

Address - 919 Mid-Campus Dr. North, Manhattan, KS 66506.
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $25,560 for out-of-state students and  $9,489 for in-state students. 

Kansas State University, or K-State university, describes its interior design course as the “intersections between human ecological theory, design theory, and interior design practice.”  and is one of the best interior design schools. They offer study abroad programs and professional mentorships in Italy, Frace, Guatemala and Britain and this provides students with the most well-rounded and complete education. They make sure that their students are well-versed in construction tech, codes and regulations, lighting, acoustics and resilience. This university is also CIDA accredited.

13. Florida State University, USA

Address - 600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $18,796 for out-of-state students and $5,666 for in-state students.
A human-centred approach to interior design is taken by the university which makes sure their students have the knowledge to make environments that create a positive impact in the world while being sustainable and functional also. FSU is on the list of the best interior design universities. Low-income housing, hospitality, healthcare and more should have sequential learning and education in all aspects. This university is also CIDA accredited. They pride themselves on having all the students experience at least 1 internship before graduation. Be sure to make the most of your time in the US if you decide to study here. 

14. University of Cincinnati, USA

Address - 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $13,855 for out-of-state students and  $7,984 for in-state students per term.
With a focus on formal design, problem-solving and technical knowledge, the School of Architecture and Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati is one of the best interior design schools that prepare students for their future careers. After the 5 year course linked to the DAAP program with a common program, the students can work on one of many industries like commercial, residential and cultural and health institutions like theatres, hospitals and places of worship. This university is also CIDA accredited. 

15. Drexel University, USA

Address - 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Fees - The approximate fee for this course is $17,956–$18,405 (plus $790 per-term fee) for undergraduates students and $1,088 per credit hour for graduate students (plus $140–$280 fee)
Experimental learning and real-world learning are the focuses of Drexel University, along with a co-op program where for 6 months, the students work under a firm. There is an emphasis on sustainable practices, and they encourage you to study abroad in Sydney or Seoul or even Denmark. The students will be well equipt to excel in their careers by the time they graduate. This university is also CIDA accredited. 

Here were the 15 best interior design schools in the word that students pursuing the subject can attend. These schools will provide the best education and learning opportunities with hands-on experience and internship and mentorship opportunities. Be sure to keep this list of the best interior design schools handy when applying for this major. Also, check out this blog to explore the  best architecture schools in the US. You can also check out our blog on the highest paying design jobs.