7 answers
Fara
Student
Lagos, Nigeria
4
Questions
Updated
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What type of schools should apply at for Interior Architecture/design?
As an international student applying to US schools, they're many opinions about going to an art school (a lot of which are negative opinions) or state/general school. I'm not sure how to weigh the pros and cons of deciding which schools to apply to but I'm leaning towards general schools for financial reasons.
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6 answers
Md Anwar Hossain Polash
Architect & interior designer
4
Answers
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Updated
Md Anwar Hossain’s Answer
This is a very valid and important concern, and you're not alone—many international students face the same dilemma. Here's a breakdown to help you weigh the pros and cons of applying to art schools vs. general/state universities, especially from an international student perspective:
🎨 Art Schools: Pros & Cons
Pros:
Focused Environment: You’ll be surrounded by peers and faculty who live and breathe art. This can help you grow rapidly in your craft.
Professional Connections: Strong industry ties, portfolio reviews, and internship pipelines specifically for creatives.
Specialized Facilities: Top-tier equipment, studios, and software tailored to your field (e.g., design, animation, fine arts).
Cons:
Cost: Art schools are often private and expensive, with limited scholarships for international students.
Narrow Focus: The curriculum is highly specialized. If you later decide to switch majors, options might be limited.
Perception: In some regions or industries, a degree from a general university may carry more perceived “prestige” or flexibility, especially outside of the creative sector.
🎨 Art Schools: Pros & Cons
Pros:
Focused Environment: You’ll be surrounded by peers and faculty who live and breathe art. This can help you grow rapidly in your craft.
Professional Connections: Strong industry ties, portfolio reviews, and internship pipelines specifically for creatives.
Specialized Facilities: Top-tier equipment, studios, and software tailored to your field (e.g., design, animation, fine arts).
Cons:
Cost: Art schools are often private and expensive, with limited scholarships for international students.
Narrow Focus: The curriculum is highly specialized. If you later decide to switch majors, options might be limited.
Perception: In some regions or industries, a degree from a general university may carry more perceived “prestige” or flexibility, especially outside of the creative sector.
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
It's wonderful to hear about your passion for Interior Architecture/Design! Picking the right school is a big step, especially as an international student. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide between art schools and state/general universities, along with some tips to find the best match for your dreams:
**Art Schools vs. State/General Universities for Interior Architecture/Design**
**Art Schools (Specialized Institutions)**
**Pros:**
- Programs focused intensely on design and architecture
- Access to special facilities, studios, and design technology
- Great for creative growth and networking in a close-knit community
- Strong ties to creative professionals and niche industries
**Cons:**
- Can be pricey, with higher tuition and living costs—important to think about if you're watching your budget
- Sometimes less focus on broader academic subjects or business skills
- Smaller size might mean fewer general resources or activities
**State/General Universities**
**Pros:**
- Generally more budget-friendly, especially public schools
- Wider academic choices—options to learn business, technology, liberal arts, or sciences alongside design
- Bigger communities, offering networking opportunities beyond design
- More diverse student body and campus resources
**Cons:**
- Design programs might not be as focused or intense as art schools
- Facilities may not be as advanced
- Larger classes and less concentrated design community
**Additional Considerations for International Students**
- **Cost & Financial Aid:** State and general universities often have more affordable tuition or scholarships for international students. Think about living costs near the campus too.
- **Accreditation:** Look for programs accredited by groups like CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) to ensure quality.
- **Career Services:** Check out schools’ support for international students regarding internships, work visas (OPT), and job placements after graduation.
- **Location:** Urban campuses can offer more internship and job opportunities in design hubs.
**How to Choose the Best Fit**
- **Identify your career goals:** Are you aiming for a specialized design career or a broader path that includes business or technology?
- **Visit school websites:** Check out their curriculum, faculty, alumni success, and resources.
- **Connect with current students or alumni:** Many schools have virtual info sessions for insights.
- **Review application requirements and deadlines:** Some art schools may need a portfolio.
- **Consider financial aid and scholarships:** Especially important as an international applicant.
**Schools to Consider (Examples)**
- **Art Schools:** Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Pratt Institute
- **State/General Universities:** University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, Penn State, Virginia Tech, California State University (various campuses)
Best of luck with your applications—you’re making a wise choice!
**Art Schools vs. State/General Universities for Interior Architecture/Design**
**Art Schools (Specialized Institutions)**
**Pros:**
- Programs focused intensely on design and architecture
- Access to special facilities, studios, and design technology
- Great for creative growth and networking in a close-knit community
- Strong ties to creative professionals and niche industries
**Cons:**
- Can be pricey, with higher tuition and living costs—important to think about if you're watching your budget
- Sometimes less focus on broader academic subjects or business skills
- Smaller size might mean fewer general resources or activities
**State/General Universities**
**Pros:**
- Generally more budget-friendly, especially public schools
- Wider academic choices—options to learn business, technology, liberal arts, or sciences alongside design
- Bigger communities, offering networking opportunities beyond design
- More diverse student body and campus resources
**Cons:**
- Design programs might not be as focused or intense as art schools
- Facilities may not be as advanced
- Larger classes and less concentrated design community
**Additional Considerations for International Students**
- **Cost & Financial Aid:** State and general universities often have more affordable tuition or scholarships for international students. Think about living costs near the campus too.
- **Accreditation:** Look for programs accredited by groups like CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) to ensure quality.
- **Career Services:** Check out schools’ support for international students regarding internships, work visas (OPT), and job placements after graduation.
- **Location:** Urban campuses can offer more internship and job opportunities in design hubs.
**How to Choose the Best Fit**
- **Identify your career goals:** Are you aiming for a specialized design career or a broader path that includes business or technology?
- **Visit school websites:** Check out their curriculum, faculty, alumni success, and resources.
- **Connect with current students or alumni:** Many schools have virtual info sessions for insights.
- **Review application requirements and deadlines:** Some art schools may need a portfolio.
- **Consider financial aid and scholarships:** Especially important as an international applicant.
**Schools to Consider (Examples)**
- **Art Schools:** Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Pratt Institute
- **State/General Universities:** University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, Penn State, Virginia Tech, California State University (various campuses)
Best of luck with your applications—you’re making a wise choice!
Hi! Thank you so much for this!!
Fara
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
439
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Fara - what an interesting question. Tanaka has suggested a good range of schools for you to consider. Here are some factors to consider:
- Financial - in general , state/general.schools are going to have more financial resources for buildings, equipment, scholarships and work-study. But STEM departments tend to get more resources these days so check each school individually.
- Student body - Art schools tend to have smaller student bodies. Some people may like that and some may find that stifling. Also, at an arts school, everyone is going to be artistic in some way. You may love that or want more variety.
- Curriculum - A general school may have general requirements in addition to your major (e.g., in science, math, liberal arts, foreign languages) while arts schools are less likely to have them. Plus, the non-art courses that may be relevant to you at general schools - such as in physics, business, or psychology - are likely to be more available and stronger. Or maybe you want to study only art topics.
- Help with career placement - In general, state/general schools are going to have bigger career centers and more alumni who may be able to help you. However, arts schools may have more who do what you want to do. Again, check individual schools.
It may be difficult for you to do, but I would encourage you to visit a few schools (maybe one of each type) to help you decide what is important to you and what is negotiable. Good luck!
- Financial - in general , state/general.schools are going to have more financial resources for buildings, equipment, scholarships and work-study. But STEM departments tend to get more resources these days so check each school individually.
- Student body - Art schools tend to have smaller student bodies. Some people may like that and some may find that stifling. Also, at an arts school, everyone is going to be artistic in some way. You may love that or want more variety.
- Curriculum - A general school may have general requirements in addition to your major (e.g., in science, math, liberal arts, foreign languages) while arts schools are less likely to have them. Plus, the non-art courses that may be relevant to you at general schools - such as in physics, business, or psychology - are likely to be more available and stronger. Or maybe you want to study only art topics.
- Help with career placement - In general, state/general schools are going to have bigger career centers and more alumni who may be able to help you. However, arts schools may have more who do what you want to do. Again, check individual schools.
It may be difficult for you to do, but I would encourage you to visit a few schools (maybe one of each type) to help you decide what is important to you and what is negotiable. Good luck!
Thank you so much! I'll definitely use this when cross-checking and ranking schools! This really does help.
Fara
So glad to hear - let us know if you have further questions.
Martha Kramer
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Choosing between an art school and a state/general university for Interior Architecture/Design as an international student can feel overwhelming, but breaking down the pros and cons can help you make a more informed decision. Here’s what’s on my mind when comparing these two paths:
1. Art Schools:
Pros:
Specialized Curriculum: The entire focus is on design, architecture, and creative skills. You’ll get hands-on experience, portfolio development, and access to cutting-edge design studios.
Creative Community: You’ll be surrounded by like-minded peers and professors deeply embedded in the design world.
Industry Connections: Many art schools have strong ties to the design industry, offering internships, networking events, and portfolio reviews.
Reputation in the Design Field: Schools like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Parsons School of Design are highly respected.
Cons:
Cost: Art schools are often private and can be extremely expensive, both in tuition and material fees.
Narrow Focus: You may miss out on broader academic subjects and skill sets.
Limited Degree Flexibility: Typically, you’ll only graduate with a design-focused degree, which might make career pivots harder.
Less Campus Life: Smaller student bodies and fewer extracurricular options outside of art and design.
2. State/General Universities:
Pros:
Lower Cost: Generally more affordable, especially if you get scholarships or financial aid.
Broader Education: You’ll take general education courses, which can enhance critical thinking and business skills.
Dual Majors/Minors: More flexibility to combine design with business, marketing, or another field, which can make you more versatile.
Campus Life and Diversity: Bigger campuses mean more extracurriculars, clubs, and diverse experiences.
Accredited Programs: Some universities have highly respected design programs, like University of Cincinnati, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Oregon.
Cons:
Less Design Immersion: The program may not be as intensive or creatively focused as an art school.
Larger Class Sizes: You may get less one-on-one attention.
Fewer Design-Specific Resources: Studios and specialized equipment may not be as high-quality as those in art schools.
3. Hybrid Options (Best of Both Worlds):
Some general universities have renowned design programs that balance hands-on creative work with a solid academic foundation.
Examples include:
Pratt Institute (New York) - An art school but with a more comprehensive university structure.
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - Known for its architecture and design programs with practical applications.
University of Michigan - Offers a strong architecture program within a large university setting.
4. Things to Consider as an International Student:
Financial Aid: State universities often have better funding options for international students compared to private art schools.
Post-Graduation Opportunities: Look for schools with strong internship programs and career support to help with employment in the U.S.
Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by bodies like CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) to ensure quality and recognition.
Cultural Fit: Think about whether you want an urban, art-centric environment (like at SCAD or RISD) or a more traditional college experience (like at UT Austin or UC Berkeley).
1. Art Schools:
Pros:
Specialized Curriculum: The entire focus is on design, architecture, and creative skills. You’ll get hands-on experience, portfolio development, and access to cutting-edge design studios.
Creative Community: You’ll be surrounded by like-minded peers and professors deeply embedded in the design world.
Industry Connections: Many art schools have strong ties to the design industry, offering internships, networking events, and portfolio reviews.
Reputation in the Design Field: Schools like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Parsons School of Design are highly respected.
Cons:
Cost: Art schools are often private and can be extremely expensive, both in tuition and material fees.
Narrow Focus: You may miss out on broader academic subjects and skill sets.
Limited Degree Flexibility: Typically, you’ll only graduate with a design-focused degree, which might make career pivots harder.
Less Campus Life: Smaller student bodies and fewer extracurricular options outside of art and design.
2. State/General Universities:
Pros:
Lower Cost: Generally more affordable, especially if you get scholarships or financial aid.
Broader Education: You’ll take general education courses, which can enhance critical thinking and business skills.
Dual Majors/Minors: More flexibility to combine design with business, marketing, or another field, which can make you more versatile.
Campus Life and Diversity: Bigger campuses mean more extracurriculars, clubs, and diverse experiences.
Accredited Programs: Some universities have highly respected design programs, like University of Cincinnati, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Oregon.
Cons:
Less Design Immersion: The program may not be as intensive or creatively focused as an art school.
Larger Class Sizes: You may get less one-on-one attention.
Fewer Design-Specific Resources: Studios and specialized equipment may not be as high-quality as those in art schools.
3. Hybrid Options (Best of Both Worlds):
Some general universities have renowned design programs that balance hands-on creative work with a solid academic foundation.
Examples include:
Pratt Institute (New York) - An art school but with a more comprehensive university structure.
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - Known for its architecture and design programs with practical applications.
University of Michigan - Offers a strong architecture program within a large university setting.
4. Things to Consider as an International Student:
Financial Aid: State universities often have better funding options for international students compared to private art schools.
Post-Graduation Opportunities: Look for schools with strong internship programs and career support to help with employment in the U.S.
Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by bodies like CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) to ensure quality and recognition.
Cultural Fit: Think about whether you want an urban, art-centric environment (like at SCAD or RISD) or a more traditional college experience (like at UT Austin or UC Berkeley).
Hi! Thanks so much for the advice , the post-graduate and financial aid are the most crucial too me. I believe applying for scholarships wont be such a pickle but determining which schools have better post-grad opportunities is, do you know how I could look into that?
Fara
Jessica Itchue
Marketing
2
Answers
North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
As someone who graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design, I would focus on finding a school that is CIDA accredited. Either an art school or a university is fine as long as it is a reputable program! Consider what type of interior design/architecture you may be interested in and let that help steer your decision, certain programs have more of a focus on types of design (residential, hospitality, commercial).
Thank you! I found about CIDA accreditation in the descriptions of the colleges I was looking at so I'll be sure to make sure all my options are accredited. Although the type of Interior design is kind of a Niche its hard to find to programs that'll aid to my focus, nonetheless I'll definitely keep looking
Fara
Tanaka Ndoro
7
Answers
Updated
Tanaka’s Answer
1. Rhode Island School of Design
2. Savanna College of Art and Design
3. Pratt Institute
4. Fashion Institute of Technology
5. Arizona State University
6. University of Minnesota
7. University of Florida
8. University of Cincinnati
9. Cornell University
10. Drexel University
Fara these schools are good for you because they specialize in Interior design especially the first 5 school above.
2. Savanna College of Art and Design
3. Pratt Institute
4. Fashion Institute of Technology
5. Arizona State University
6. University of Minnesota
7. University of Florida
8. University of Cincinnati
9. Cornell University
10. Drexel University
Fara these schools are good for you because they specialize in Interior design especially the first 5 school above.
Hi Tanaka! Can you give more detail as to why these schools could be a good choice for Fara?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thank you so much! I generally see these schools when looking at best interior design schools in the US
Fara