10 cheapest Online Degrees in Interior Design Starting At $190 tuition per credit hour

 

If you’re interested in a career in interior design, it’s likely because you’ve seen how much fun it is on TV. Whether it’s Top Design or Selling Sunset, there’s something about the look of a well-designed room that makes you want to get your hands dirty and do it yourself.

But if you’re like most people, the thought of spending years learning the skills necessary to be an interior designer can be daunting (especially if those years are spent taking in-person classes). And that’s where online degrees come in—they can help you build your skills without leaving your home’s comfort and learning at your own pace.

Can I Get An Online Degree In Interior Design?

The answer is yes. Though rare, online degrees in interior design are available from several accredited colleges. These colleges offer an array of online interior degree programs that allow students to tailor their education based on their interests and needs.

DegreeDuration General Pre-requisites
Interior Design Associate Degree2 YearsHigh school diploma or GED  
Interior Design Bachelor Degree4 YearsHigh school or college transcripts  
Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A) in Interior Design2- 3 YearsBachelor’s degree from an accredited school

Cheapest Online Interior Design Degrees

If you are interested in pursuing an online degree in interior design, we suggest taking a look at these affordable options:

1. Ohio University School Of Art & Design – $243 per credit hour

The university offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. The objectives of these  interior design courses address the realities of the contemporary job market and prepare graduates for careers in interior design that are international in their scope. Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree meet the educational requirement to sit for the NCIDQ Exam.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 127 credit hours

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: High school transcripts and a personal statement.

2. Century College- $189.94 per credit hour

The Interior Design Associate of Applied Science at Century College is designed for students who want to gain a solid foundation in the principles and practices of interior design for residences. The program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to design residential spaces for all lifestyles and abilities, focusing on universal design, aging in place, and other innovative design specialties.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 60 credits

Accreditation: National Kitchen and Bath Design Association (NKBA)

Entry Requirements: High school diploma or GED

3. Ball State University- $431 per credit hour

The Master of Arts or Master of Science in interior design at Ball State University is a program that will equip you to be a professional interior designer, as well as to develop and hone your creative processes in your pursuit of design excellence.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 33 credits

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution recognized by a regional accrediting association and a minimum of a 2.75 GPA.

4. Berkeley College- $515 per credit hour

Berkeley College’s Interior Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree has been designed to help prepare students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. This program also meets the educational requirements for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 120 credits

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: Official high school transcripts

5. Miami International University of Art & design – $575 per credit hour

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design at the Miami International University of Art and Design is a program that helps students develop their artistic vision and problem-solving skills. Taking interior design classes online at the Miami International University is the first step into designing spaces that work for you, whether you want to work as a designer, interior decorator, or architect.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 180 credit hours

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: high school transcript or high school equivalency certification

6. Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design- $602 per credit hour

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design at the RMCAD provides students with a rigorous program that teaches them how to think creatively and critically while also giving them the opportunity to develop their technical skills, including drawing, painting, and printmaking. Students can work closely with online faculty to develop a deep understanding of interior design’s technical and artistic aspects.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 126 credit hours

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: high school or college transcripts (for transfer students)

7. Penn Foster – $1,179 per semester

The Associate of Interior Design degree program at Penn Foster teaches students how to understand and discuss the fundamental principles of the design process for residential and commercial design. Graduates of this Associate of Interior Design degree program earn 45credits toward the 60 credits required for certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Graduates may also apply for membership at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 67 credits

Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

Entry Requirements: High school diploma or GED

8. Savannah College of Art and Design- $872 per credit hour

The Master of Arts in Interior Design at Savannah College of Art and Design is a program that teaches students to study the relationship humans have with environments and objects around them. The collaborative program encourages students to engage aesthetic theory, culture, materiality, and function to design livable spaces that are responsive to both the present and future needs of its inhabitants.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 45 credits

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, Portfolio, recommendations, personal statement.

9. University Of Nebraska- Lincoln- $676.00 per credit hour

 As a specialized degree, the Master of Science in Architecture with a Specialization in Interior Design program provides students an opportunity to explore multiple interior design topics. The program offers a dual Interior Design and Gerontology Certificate as part of the required program courses, providing students with a wide variety of opportunities for specialization. Topics such as integration of design research into professional practice, sustainability, health & wellness, senior living, aging in place, learning environments, interior design pedagogy, and material culture can be explored through this degree.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 36 credits

Accreditation: Council for Interior Design Accreditation

Entry Requirements: undergraduate degree in architecture, interior design, or a closely-related field.

10. Fairfield University- $900 per credit hour

The Master of Arts in Interior Design at Fairfield University is a rigorous program that provides students with the opportunity to become professional members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and achieve the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification. Students will learn from a team of industry experts recognized for their excellence in interior design.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours: 63 credits

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Entry Requirements: bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, GPA of 3.0.

Online Interior Design School Accreditation

There are three major accrediting organizations for interior design schools. These include

  • The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD);
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA);
  • National Kitchen and Bath Design Association (NKBA).

Online interior design degree programs accredited by any of these three organizations will provide high-quality education and ensure your degree is accepted by employers. In addition to accreditation, you should also look at the school’s program requirements and course descriptions to ensure it meets your educational goals before applying.

How Long Does It Take To Become An Interior Designer?

Depending on your career path, the length of time to start a career in interior design may range from 2-4 years. Here is an overview of an interior design career path.

Is it worth becoming an interior designer?

Interior design is a growing industry that offers numerous opportunities for professional growth. It’s also a surprisingly diverse career field. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected growth of 7,800 interior design jobs each year for the next decade. The median salary for Interior designers is $60,340 as of May 2021.

What is the highest paying state for interior design?

Top paying states for Interior Designers according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.

StateEmployment Annual mean wage
District of Columbia 690$ 79,420
Rhode Island130$ 77,250
Massachusetts1,870$ 73,140
New York6,110$ 72,220
California8,330$ 70,290

How is Interior Design Different From Interior Decorating?

Here are some key differences between the two:

Interior DesignInterior Decorator
Focused on creating a space that’s functional.Focused on creating a look that’s pleasing to the eye.
More conceptual in nature.Focused on practicality and aesthetics.  
Interior designers generally require a higher level of formal education.Interior decorators don’t require any training or licensing from their state.
Interior designers mainly work with architects and contractors.Decorators do not work with architects and contractors but may work with upholsterers and furniture makers,

To sum up, interior design is an exciting and worthwhile field of study. The best online interior design programs will allow you to explore your creative potential while providing you with valuable skills that will serve you throughout your life.

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