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Essays on Interior Design

Brief description of interior design.

Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a space to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment. It involves the design and coordination of colors, furniture, lighting, and other elements to create a harmonious and functional space. Interior design is crucial in creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical and conducive to the well-being of its occupants.

Importance of Writing Essays on This Topic

Essays on interior design are important for academic and personal exploration as they allow individuals to delve into the principles, history, and contemporary trends within the field. Writing essays on this topic also encourages critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively, which are valuable skills for personal and professional development.

Tips on Choosing a Good Topic

• Explore current trends and innovations in interior design
• Consider the influence of culture and history on interior design
• Focus on sustainability and eco-friendly design practices

Essay Topics

• The impact of color psychology on interior design
• The role of technology in modern interior design
• The evolution of interior design styles throughout history
• Sustainable practices in interior design
• The influence of culture on interior design aesthetics
• The psychology of space and its impact on interior design
• Innovative materials and their use in interior design
• Gender and interior design: exploring stereotypes and breaking barriers
• The importance of lighting in interior design
• The future of interior design: trends and predictions

Concluding Thought

Writing essays on interior design offers a rich opportunity for exploration and critical engagement with the field. By delving into various aspects of interior design, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the principles, trends, and societal influences that shape the spaces we inhabit. Embracing this topic through essay writing can lead to a greater appreciation for the art and science of interior design.

Minimalism in Interior Design

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Writing an Interior Design Essay for College

• Post author: Tre Pryor
• Post published: May 8, 2019
• Post category: Interior Design

If you are an interior design major in college, you have to complete different academic projects related to your line of work. Among these is essay writing. That’s not an easy task. Writing a good essay on interior design requires a lot of time and creativity.

In college, you don’t have a lot of time for research yet you have to submit a superb paper to boost your final grade. In this article, you will find tips to help you with your essay including finding the best writing resources from Usessaywriters.com . Keep reading!

Read and Understand the Paper’s Guidelines

It is understandable that you want to get off to a great start. But if you only want to get it out of the way as fast as possible, this can lead to problems. You should start by reading all the guidelines and asking for clarification from your professor for anything you don’t understand. This will make your research work easier and you will not end up redoing the entire essay.

Choose an Interesting Interior Design Topic

The topic choice is key. It influences tremendously the final essay. Invest time brainstorming . You should always pick a topic that lives inside your area of interest. For instance, if medieval interior art fascinates you, choose an essay topic that deals with this subject.

Once you have an intriguing interior design topic, you will find it easier to research and find the best materials. Chances are your readers will also enjoy the topic you love which translates to a better grade.

Create a Mind-provoking Thesis

If you want to write a winning essay, you have to stay away from ordinary ideas. Instead, go for something novel and fresh. This means crafting a mind-provoking thesis that will spike the interest of the reader. Everyone loves an interesting twist, and if your paper promises this, it is easier for the reader to stay glued to your argument.

Add Value to the Life of the Reader

What is the purpose of your essay? Does it add value to the life of the reader? These are questions you have to ask and answer right at the beginning of your introduction. You have to convince the reader that you have something of value to add to the field of interior design. You should show practically why the reader should continue after the introduction and what they will gain at the end.

Use Examples in Your Essay

If you love interior design, then you have some inspiring examples you can use. These will help the reader understand your argument and consider you an authority in this field. It’s an absolute must!

Talk about Trends

If you want to captivate the interest of the reader, you can talk about the trending styles in interior design. Consider things like sleek contemporary fireplaces, maximalism, or painted floor tiles. The websites and magazines you read will likely hold content about current trends. Talk about these different movements in this industry and how they impact the choices property owners can make.

Read Sample Papers

It is advisable to look for sample papers from the best writing services to augment your ideas and improve your essay structure. These sample essays will improve your writing. Make sure you diversify your research sources. Don’t forget to proofread your work as you go. Lastly, it’s always a great idea to brainstorm ideas with family and friends. Follow these helpful tips and your interior design essay will likely be a great success!

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Pursuing Home Interior Design Career Essay

Introduction, my passion for home interior design, importance of getting education in home interior design, impact of this profession.

Interior design entails a series of harmonized projects that work together in an agreeable manner, with an effort of turning interior spaces into comfortable and effective settings that help human beings coordinate their activities with ease and comfort (Gale Group & Gale 122). Homes should not be shelters only but also offer comfort. Home interior design is thus a vital course that facilitates the creation of aesthetically appealing homes with a touch of uniqueness.

After a keen reflection and cautiously observing ‘who I am’ and ‘what I most wanted to be and do in my life,’ I made a discovery that my love and devotion for homes and design was knit together, and the hope that unique homes can be created was born. Passion and enthusiasm are the key drivers of my urge of studying this course. I am writing to apply for this course in your college. I am convinced that your institution will help nurture my eye for design and décor. I feel that the across-the-border education you will offer will implant in me the unmarked ideas and suggestions that will allow me steer the profession in my country.

I view my zeal as a perfect foundation in this profession and my desires for efficiency in the future works I will execute. It is vivid that most home owners have a thirst for state-of-the-art homes and are ready to go the extra mile to ensure a touch of class is given to their homes. I am confident that with a formal education through a process of learning and practice, I will transform the look of homes through conceptual development, creating a good rapport with clients and finally get down with the execution of the designs as I strive to keep the aesthetic drive for beauty rolling.

I am fascinated by homes done with an aesthetic touch and I hope to see more of these increasing with each dawn. This can be achieved through good design skills, an eye for design and a proper understanding of people’s cultures, way of life and a deep scrutiny of the current market trends (Gale Group & Gale 450).

Home interior design comes with its challenges in that the designer must be in a position to uphold uniqueness, quality, efficiency and ability to capture the responsiveness of customers. Most importantly, the designer must have the awareness on how to effectively sell and portray their work as top notch. It is a prerequisite that adequate planning, skill and passion are incorporated to produce quality work that meets the needs of the customer, leaving them satisfied and wishing for more.

My goal in pursuing an education in this field is to become one of the renowned home interior designers nationally and internationally. I am hopeful that I, in my capacity after the acquired knowledge and skills, will contribute positively to the overall growth and improvement of most homes in my country and the world at large. I yearn to see a world with homes that are better designed, unified in harmony with nature and the extended environment having in mind the housing wants and needs of the human race. It will give me great satisfaction to know that I will be of help to home owners with a hunger for exceptional and exclusive homes.

I will effortlessly work to build up even a more critical eye and mind relating to home interior design and the environmental and global forces that work together to steer it in the direction it moves. I am looking forward to a productive and fruitful professional life as I work towards the realization of these life changing goals after sessions of learning in class.

Gale Group and Gale Thomas. The college blue book . Michigan : Thomson Gale, 2007.

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IvyPanda. (2022, May 7). Pursuing Home Interior Design Career. https://ivypanda.com/essays/home-interior-design/

"Pursuing Home Interior Design Career." IvyPanda , 7 May 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/home-interior-design/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Pursuing Home Interior Design Career'. 7 May.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Pursuing Home Interior Design Career." May 7, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/home-interior-design/.

1. IvyPanda . "Pursuing Home Interior Design Career." May 7, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/home-interior-design/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Pursuing Home Interior Design Career." May 7, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/home-interior-design/.

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Interior Architecture & Design Program

Interior Architecture and Design

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 2451 Moscow, ID 83844-2451

Phone: 208-885-4409

Fax: 208-885-9428

Email: [email protected]

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The interior architecture and design program at University of Idaho’s College of Art and Architecture (CAA) emphasizes forward-thinking, environmentally conscious and socially responsible design. Our Bachelor in Interior Architecture and Design (B.I.A.D.) degree program equips you with the skills to create practical interior spaces that foster lasting memories and brand experiences.  As an integral part of a land-grant university dedicated to our state, we offer hands-on engagement with community partners to develop design solutions that address our community’s pressing needs. Through immersive student experiences , like study abroad , student organizations  and relationships with faculty and staff , you gain firsthand experiences that are highly valuable in the professional arena.  This commitment to experiential learning not only enriches your future portfolio but also ensures you secure fulfilling and financially rewarding positions. Notably, our reputation speaks volumes, with all our graduates since 2019 boasting a 100 percent job placement rate within the design disciplines by October of the same year they graduated. 

• B. Interior Architecture and Design

Interior Architecture & Design Degree Program

Learn more about University of Idaho’s interior design and architecture bachelor’s degree program. Explore program requirements .

From B.I.A.D. to Master of Architecture

Interested in also earning a master’s degree in architecture? Our seamless B.I.A.D. to Master of Architecture degree program allows you to earn two accredited, professional degrees in a shorter time frame. This unique feature not only enhances your educational experience but also equips you with a competitive edge in the field of architecture.

Explore Our Boise Campus

Complete the first two years of your interior architecture and design degree program in Boise. Boise's campus offers a unique blend of resources and facilities for aspiring interior architects and designers. The city serves as a vibrant backdrop, inspiring design exploration through its eclectic mix of modern urban spaces and natural landscapes. Additionally, Boise's proximity to architectural landmarks and design firms offers various opportunities for internships, networking and professional development.

CIDA and NASAD Accreditation

Our mission is to serve as Idaho’s only public, accredited professional Interior Architecture and Design Program, certified by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) . With the academic training from our program, interior architecture and design graduates meet the educational requirements to seek licensure through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification . See CIDA accreditation disclosure statement .

Student Engagement Opportunities

Service learning.

Get hands-on experience in a meaningful way — give back to your community through service learning projects like redesigning local spaces, solving architectural problems and creating sustainable plans.

Learn in Your Community

Design Competitions

CAA interior architecture and design students compete in regional, national and international design competitions. Learn more and see examples of their reward-winning work .

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Internship Experiences

Discover opportunities for real-world learning at an internship and employment site that lets you apply your classroom knowledge and gain practical skills in interior architecture and design.

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Discover What’s Next

The College of Art and Architecture’s interior architecture and design program connects creativity and impact. Immerse yourself in the latest industry trends and graduate ready to make your mark in the interior design industry.

Bachelor in Interior Architecture & Design

Integrate art, science and business to design meaningful spaces with a bachelor’s in interior architecture and design.

Earn an Interior Design Degree

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30 Best Interior Design Colleges – 2024

April 24, 2024

Interior design majors acquire the aesthetic and technical know-how to pursue careers that involve making indoor spaces beautiful and innovative. In pursuing this bachelor’s degree, students will take coursework in areas such as architectural history, computer imaging, environmental design, lighting and sound, sculpture, painting, 3D modeling, textiles for interiors, and furniture. Some of the institutions with the most well-regarded interior design programs have design or fashion right in their names such as the Fashion Institute of Technology or the Savannah College of Art and Design; other programs are housed within larger universities like Michigan State, the University of Alabama, or UT Austin. All of College Transitions’ Best Colleges for Interior Design will give undergrads the requisite skills to flourish in this exciting and highly creative field.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Interior Design Majors.

Best Colleges for Interior Design Majors

Here’s a quick preview of the first interior design departments that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Cornell University

2) The New School

3) Savannah College of Art and Design

4) Rhode Island School of Design

5) University of Wisconsin-Madison

6) Syracuse University

7) Drexel University

8) Virginia Tech

9) Pratt Institute-Main

10) University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of interior design and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for interior design, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Cornell University

Academic Highlights: A diverse array of academic programs includes 80 majors and 120 minors spread across the university’s seven schools/colleges. Classes are a bit larger at Cornell than at many other elite institutions. Still, 55% of sections have fewer than 20 students. Most degrees conferred in 2022 were in computer science (17%), engineering (13%), business (13%), and biology (13%). The SC Johnson College of Business houses two undergraduate schools, both of which have phenomenal reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Breaking down the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Cornell, 68% entered the workforce, 28% entered graduate school, 1% pursued other endeavors such as travel or volunteer work, and the remaining 3% were still seeking employment six months after receiving their diplomas. The top sectors attracting campus-wide graduateswere financial services (18%), technology (17%), consulting (15%), and education (10%). Of the students from A&S going on to graduate school, 15% were pursuing JDs, 5% MDs, and 22% PhDs.

• Enrollment: 15,735
• Cost of Attendance: $88,150
• Median SAT: 1520
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

The New School

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights:  A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio at the New School allows for 89% of course sections to enroll under 20 students. This means students in all academic programs receive a great deal of personalized instruction and attention. The most popular majors at the New School all fall under the umbrella of the visual arts (62%). A smattering of students also concentrate in computer science (11%), journalism (7%), liberal arts (6%), and English (4%).

Professional Outcomes:  Within the first year after earning their bachelor’s degree, 82% of graduates have already found their first employment opportunity or elected to continue their studies. 70% of recent grads entered the working world and another 12% entered an advanced degree program. Employers of 15 or more alumni include the United Nations, JP Morgan and Co., Amazon, The New York Times, Meta, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Enrollment: 7,208
• Cost of Attendance: $85,668
• Median SAT: N/A
• Median ACT: N/A
• Acceptance Rate: 57%
• Retention Rate: 71%
• Graduation Rate: 70%

Savannah College of Art and Design

• Savannah, GA

Academic Highlights: Savannah College of Art and Design offers more than 40 programs of study and close to half of all classes enroll no more than 19 students. The most commonly pursued degrees are Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects (21%), Illustration (14%), Digital Communication (13%), Cinematography and Film Production (9%), and Fashion/Apparel Design (6%).

Professional Outcomes:  A tremendous 99% of SCAD graduates report being employed or engaged in further study within ten months of graduating. Further, 91% state that they are working in a field/position related to their area of study. Many alumni are self-employed but sizable numbers also obtain employment with Amazon, Apple, Deloitte, Gensler, Google, Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Epic Games, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

• Enrollment: 13,622
• Cost of Attendance: $65,574
• Median SAT: 1240
• Median ACT: 24
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Retention Rate: 75%
• Graduation Rate: 62%

Rhode Island School of Design

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights:  The student-to-faculty ratio at RISD is just 9:1 which means students get a ton of personalized attention from their professors. The average class size is just 15 students. Among the most popular majors are architecture, cinematography and video production, painting, sculpture, illustration, and computer graphics. In total, there are 44 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for students to choose from.

Professional Outcomes:  Recent graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design found their next positive career/educational step at a 97% clip. Companies hiring RISD grads include Athleta, Citigroup, Chewy, Deloitte, Coach, Barefoot Books, the New York Times, Nickelodeon, NVIDIA, NASA, Fidelity, Google, Paramount, Reebok, and West Elm. 46% of recent grads earned more than $40,000 as a starting salary.

• Enrollment: 2,044
• Cost of Attendance: $85,986
• Mid-50% ACT: 28-34
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, including the top-ranked School of Business and College of Engineering as well as the College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, and Human Ecology. Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 44% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Business (18%), biology (12%), the social sciences (11%), and engineering (10%) are most popular.

Professional Outcomes: In a recent year, 46% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, Kohl’s, Oracle, Deloitte, and UW Health. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Target, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. 28% of recent grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school; the majority stayed at UW–Madison while others headed to Columbia, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. The university is the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 37,230 (undergraduate); 12,656 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,916 (in-state); $58,912 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1440
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Retention Rate: 94%

Syracuse University

• Syracuse, NY

Academic Highlights: In total, 200+ majors and 100+ minors are spread across ten undergraduate schools/colleges. The School of Architecture, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and the Newhouse School of Public Communication are all revered names that carry a good deal of weight in their respective fields. The most popular majors include communication/journalism (15%), the social sciences (14%), and business (12%). Despite Syracuse’s size, class sizes are kept reasonably low; 63% contain 20 students or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after exiting the Carrier Dome for the final time in 2022, 59% of Orangemen and women found employment (92% related to their career goals) and 21% continued to graduate school. The companies employing the most ‘Cuse grads include major media/entertainment management companies like Conde Nast, Bloomberg, and Creative Artists Agency as well as big-name corporations like GE, KPMG, EY, Lockheed Martin, and Morgan Stanley. The average starting salary for 2022 grads was a solid $63k.

• Enrollment: 15,739 (undergraduate); 7,209 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,214
• Median SAT: 1340
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Retention Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 81%

Drexel University

• Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights: There are 80+ undergraduate majors to choose from at Drexel and they offer a reasonable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with commensurately reasonable class sizes. Fifty-two percent of sections contain 19 or fewer students, and just a sliver under 9% of sections contain fifty or more. Looking at the number of degrees conferred by discipline, the big three at Drexel are business (25%), health professions (21%), and engineering (17%). Visual and performing arts (9%), and CS (8%) round out the list of majors with a sizable representation.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 97%, Dragons have arrived at their next destination; 81% were employed, and 13% had matriculated into graduate or professional school. The largest employers of Drexel alumni are Comcast, Merck, Vanguard, and Johnson & Johnson. The average starting salary for Drexel grads with a full-time job was $64,774. Drexel’s medical school acceptance rate was 60%, roughly 20 points higher than the national average. It offers an accelerated BS/MD program with its own Drexel University College of Medicine.

• Enrollment: 13,881
• Cost of Attendance: $81,508
• Median SAT: 1330
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Retention Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 78%

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Blacksburg, VA

Academic Highlights : Eight undergraduate colleges that offer 110+ distinct bachelor’s degrees are housed within Virginia Tech. 33% of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 21% of recent graduates report participating in some type of undergraduate research experience. Engineering is the area where the greatest number of degrees are conferred (23%), but business (20%) is a close second. Both disciplines are among the most respected at Tech, along with computer science. Other popular majors include the family and consumer sciences (8%), social sciences (8%), biology (8%), and agriculture (4%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 56% of the Class of 2022 were employed and 18% were in graduate school. One recent class sent large numbers to major corporations that included Deloitte (67), KPMG (44), Lockheed Martin (39), Capital One (30), EY (28), Booz Allen Hamilton (18), and Northrop Grumman (12). The median salary for 2022 graduates was $67,000. Among recent grads who decided to pursue an advanced degree, the greatest number stayed at VT, while others enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, William & Mary, Columbia, Duke, and Georgia Tech.

• Enrollment: 30,434 (undergraduate); 7,736 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $37,252 (in-state); $58,750 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 87%

Pratt Institute

• Brooklyn, NY

Academic Highlights:  There are 1,200 faculty members at Pratt Institute that provide instruction to 48 academic programs. An enviable 74% of class sections enroll fewer than 20 students. Overall, 65% of all degrees conferred fall under the performing arts umbrella with illustration, painting, photography, sculpture, game design, and cinematography and video production all on the menu. 20% of Pratt students earn architecture degrees and 10% study communication technologies.

Professional Outcomes:  Looking at recent Pratt grads, 90% were gainfully employed or attending grad school within six months of earning their undergraduate diploma. Employers who scoop up Pratt alumni include Warner Media, NBC Universal, Gensler, David Zwirner, Apple, PepsiCo, IBM, and LVMH. Further, 78% of graduates are satisfied with their occupation and 85% report that their job is relevant to their field of study.

• Enrollment: 3,702
• Cost of Attendance: $80,993
• Acceptance Rate: 45%
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 76%

University of Cincinnati

• Cincinnati, OH

Academic Highlights:  More than 90 majors await you at the University of Cincinnati and it all unfolds with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. There is a mix of small and large class sections: 32% have 19 or fewer students and 20% have 50% or more. The most frequently conferred degrees in 2022 were business (20%), health professions (14%), engineering (12%), biology (7%), the visual arts (7%), and computer science (6%).

Professional Outcomes:  Looking at all graduating seniors in 2022, 83% had obtained employment within six months of earning their degree and 13% were continuing their education. The average starting salary earned was $53,761. Hundreds of Bearcat alumni can be found in the offices of GE Aerospace, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Children’s. Fifth Third Bank, Medpace, Apple, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon Web Services.

• Enrollment: 29,989
• Cost of Attendance: $26,456 (In-State); $40,066 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1260
• Median ACT: 26
• Acceptance Rate: 86%
• Retention Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 72%

Fashion Institute of Technology

Academic Highlights:  FIT is a public institution that attracts students from 46 nations and offers programs in Art & Design, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Business and Technology. The most popular majors at the Fashion Institute of Technology are fashion merchandising (24%), fashion & apparel design (18%), communication management (16%), international marketing (16%), and design and visual communications (5%).

Professional Outcomes:  78% of those who earned a bachelor’s in 2022 were employed six months after graduation and 18% were looking for work. Most fresh alumni (85%) were employed by a company and 13% were freelancers. Employers of more than 100 FIT alumni include L’Oreal, Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, Nike, Amazon, Coach, Victoria’s Secret & Co., the Estee Lauder Companies, CHANEL, Louis Vuitton, and the Style Shop.

• Enrollment: 7,872
• Tuition: $6,170 (In-State); $16,750 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Retention Rate: 88%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL

Academic Highlights: A wide range of baccalaureate degrees—103 to be precise—are available at FSU. The student-to-faculty is a 17:1, which translates into somewhat larger class sizes. Ten percent of sections contain more than fifty students, and 4% have more than 100. However, that is balanced by the 66% of sections that contain fewer than twenty students. Twenty-three percent of degrees conferred fall under the business umbrella. The social sciences (15%), psychology (8%), biology (8%), and homeland security (6%) are next in popularity.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-three percent of job-seeking Seminole grads receive at least one offer of employment within three months of graduation. The top five sectors employing 2022 grads are (in order) finance, technology, marketing, health, and engineering. Roughly one-third of 2022 Florida State grads elected to immediately pursue admission into an advanced degree program; 75% of those who apply receive at least one acceptance. A typical graduating class sees over 100 students accepted into medical schools and over 200 accepted into law schools.

• Enrollment: 32,936
• Cost of Attendance: $25,762 (In-State); $39,692 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1300
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

George Washington University

• Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights: GW undergraduates choose from 75+ majors spread across nine colleges. The school’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio translates to a mix of small, medium, and large undergraduate sections. Twelve percent of courses have single-digit enrollments, 10% have over 50 students, and the majority fall in the 10 to 29 range. The social sciences (31%) are the area in which the greatest number of degrees are awarded followed by health professions (17%), business (15%), biology (5%), and computer science (5%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving GW, 96% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to gainful employment or graduate school while 4% were still job hunting. Of the 68% of grads already in the workplace, 68% were in a for-profit industry, 25% had entered a nonprofit position, and 8% were working in government. A healthy 27% of those earning their diplomas in 2022 immediately turned their attention to earning an advanced degree. Among that group were 76% seeking master’s degrees, 11% entering law school, 5% pursuing a medical degree, and 3% entering a doctoral program.

• Enrollment: 11,482
• Cost of Attendance: $85,740
• Median SAT: 1410
• Median ACT: 32
• Retention Rate: 90%

University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. The Warrington College of Business and the Wertheim College of Engineering are highly respected, so it’s no surprise that those two programs confer the greatest percentage of degrees—12% and 14%, respectively. Biology (11%), the social sciences (11%), and health professions (8%) are next in popularity. 53% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 33% of students partake in an undergraduate research experience.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 66% of the Class of 2022 had already procured a first job. The top occupational areas were engineering (13%), health care (13%), computer science (5%), and marketing (4%). 200+ Gator alumni can be found at top corporations like Google, EY, Raymond James, Deloitte, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and PwC. The average salary for all 2022 grads was $69k, with a high of $100k for computer science majors. Of those pursuing advanced degrees, a master’s degree was the most popular pursuit (63%) followed by law school (11%).

• Enrollment: 34,552 (undergraduate); 20,659 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $23,530 (in-state); $45,808 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1400
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 23%
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Auburn University

Academic Highlights: The faculty-student ratio is 20:1, but only about 35% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. Overall, undergraduates can choose from over 150 majors across 12 colleges, which include highly regarded business and engineering programs. Majors in architecture, apparel merchandising & design, and interior design receive high marks, as does nursing. In 2022, the greatest number of degrees conferred were in business (24%) followed by engineering (18%), biological/life sciences (10%), and health professions (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 58% of the Class of 2022 were employed full-time, 23% had entered graduate programs. 59% were pursuing master’s degrees, 28% professional degrees, and 4% doctorates. In 2022, the average starting salary was $58,708; engineering graduates enjoyed the highest average starting salary ($71,656). At least ten recent grads can be found at each of Vanderbilt, Emory, Columbia, Georgia Tech, NYU, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 25,379
• Cost of Attendance: $27,932 (in-state); $49,340 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1320
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 44%
• Retention Rate: 92%

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

Oregon State University

• Corvallis, Oregon

Academic Highlights: Across its 11 colleges, graduate schools, and Honors College, OSU offers close to 200 degree programs. While 28% of classes have fewer than 20 students another 21% of sections enroll more than 50 individuals. The three most commonly earned degrees are in engineering (17%) computer science (15%), and business (15%). Other popular areas of study are biology (7%), natural resources and conservation (6%), and the social sciences (5%).

Professional Outcomes:  Large number of College of Business alums work at companies such as Nike, Boeing, Intel, Deloitte, Oracle, KPMG, and Adidas.  Including all majors, many others work for Amazon, Salesforce, Meta, Apple, Google, and NVIDIA. An impressive 67% of those applying to medical school are accepted, a figure far higher than the national average. Med schools where recent grads now attend include Harvard, Yale, the University of Chicago, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 28,905
• Cost of Attendance: $28,866 (In-State); $51,642 (Out-of-State)
• Acceptance Rate: 83%

Iowa State University

Academic Highlights:  With more than 100 majors available across six undergraduate colleges, Iowa State has no shortage of academic pathways to explore. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, yet, courses are a mix of large and small. 31% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students and 22% enroll more than 50. In terms of sheer popularity, engineering wins the day accounting for 23% of degrees earned in 2022. Business (18%), agricultural fields (10%), biology (5%), and education (5%) also see high volume.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are employed in fairly large numbers by the likes of John Deere, Principal Financial Group, and Amazon. Overall, the most alumni work for Wells Fargo, Bayer, Corteva Agriscience, Collins Aerospace, Cargill, and Microsoft. Most remain in Iowa after graduation but many also move to Minnesota, Chicago, California, or Texas. The average starting salary for an engineering grad was $74,716 in 2023.

• Enrollment: 25,241
• Cost of Attendance: $24,204 (In-State); $41,390 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1220
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 74%

Thomas Jefferson University

Academic Highlights: Offering 160+ undergraduate and graduate degrees combined with Philadelphia University in 2017. Sporting an excellent 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, this private university keeps 59% of its class sections at under 20 students. 30% of all degrees conferred are for registered nursing, followed by family practice nursing (12%), health services (12%), allied health diagnostic (6%), architectural technology (4%), and fashion merchandising (4%).

Professional Outcomes:  Shortly after earning their undergraduate degrees, 60% of recent alumni had already found their first job and 37% were pursuing an advanced degree. The top employers included JP Morgan Chase & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Fox Chase Cancer Center, BLT Architects, and Thomas Jefferson Hospital. Graduate school enrollments included Hofstra, Temple School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, UPenn, and Penn State.

• Enrollment: 3,771
• Cost of Attendance: $60,889
• Median SAT: 1210
• Acceptance Rate: 87%
• Retention Rate: 82%
• Graduation Rate: 68%

Purdue University — West Lafayette

• West Lafayette, IN

Academic Highlights: Purdue offers over 200 majors at ten discipline-specific colleges, and 38% of course sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer. Engineering and engineering technologies majors earn 34% of the degrees conferred by the university; the College of Engineering cracks the top ten on almost every list of best engineering schools. The Krannert School of Management is also well-regarded by employers; 11% of degrees conferred are in business. Other popular majors include computer science (10%) and agriculture (5%)—both are incredibly strong.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after receiving their diplomas, 70% of 2022 grads headed to the world of employment while 24% headed to graduate/professional school. The top industries entered by grads in recent years are (1) health care, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; (2) finance, insurance, and consulting; (3) manufacturing and machinery; (4) airline, aviation, and aerospace. Companies employing the greatest number of recent alumni were Amazon, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Labcorp, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft. The average starting salary was $68k across all degree programs.

• Enrollment: 37,949 (undergraduate); 12,935 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $22,812 (in-state); $41,614 (out-of-state)
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Kansas State University

• Manhattan, KS

Academic Highlights:  K-State offers 250+ majors, minors, and certificates in a wide variety of academic disciplines. Impressively, this state university has 47% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students; the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. 20% of all 2022 degrees were awarded in business, while agriculture (12%), engineering (11%), interdisciplinary studies (8%), and biology (7%) are also popular. The engineering program has a strong national reputation.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 96% of K-State alumni are employed or pursuing further education. The most common employers for 2023 graduates were Koch Industries, Textron, the US Army, Garmin, Burns & McConnell. Thirty percent of grads enjoy a starting salary of more than $70,000 and 23% earn between $60k-$69k. Those attending graduate school primarily flocked to K-State, the University of Kansas, the University of Missouri, the University of Nebraska, and Wichita State University.

• Enrollment: 15,046
• Cost of Attendance: $23,896 (In-State); $40,368 (Out-of-State)
• Median ACT: 23
• Acceptance Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 69%

University of Alabama

• Tuscaloosa, AL

Academic Highlights: Approximately half of all courses at the University of Alabama contain fewer than 20 students and 17% contain 50 or more; the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The greatest number of undergraduates study business (29%), while other popular majors include engineering (11%), journalism (9%), and the social sciences (9%). The engineering, nursing, accounting, marketing, and economics programs have stellar reputations with prospective employers.

Professional Outcomes:  Within six months of graduating, 92% of alumni have already achieved a positive result; 58% go into the working world and one-third enter graduate/professional school. Top employers include Epic. Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Northrop Grumman, EY, and Dell. The average salary for a Class of 2022 grad was $54,290. For grad school, the highest number of students stay at Alabama while many others enroll at Vanderbilt, FSU, and the University of South Carolina.

• Enrollment: 32,458
• Cost of Attendance: $26,740 (In-State); $48,040 (Out-of-State)
• Graduation Rate: 73%

The Ohio State University — Columbus

• Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 200+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. Business sees the greatest percentage of degrees conferred at 18% followed by engineering (15%), health professions (10%), and the social sciences (9%). It makes sense that so many flock to the business and engineering schools as they are among the highest-rated undergraduate programs in their respective disciplines. 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and approximately 20% of students gain research experience.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 56% of Class of 2022 graduates were entering the world of employment while 17% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.  Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation’s leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, more than 1,000 are employed by Amazon, and more than 600 work for Google and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU’s own programs.

• Enrollment: 45,728 (undergraduate); 14,318 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,241 (in-state); $52,747 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340-1450
• Median ACT: 29-32

Baylor University

Academic Highlights: Class sizes at Baylor generally range from small to medium, with 48% of sections containing fewer than 20 students and 76% enrolling fewer than 29. Far more Bears major in business/marketing (25%) than the second-place finisher, health professions (19%). Other popular academic pursuits are biology (12%) and communication/journalism (7%), both of which are very strong. The Hankamer School of Business is highly respected across the country.

Professional Outcomes: At the 180-day post-graduation point, those who earned their diplomas from Baylor had entered the world of full-time employment at a 50% clip, and 28% had entered a graduate or professional degree program. Large numbers of recent grads were scooped up by many of the most desirable employers in the country including Dell (19), EY (16), and Oracle (16). The average starting salary was $59k. Among recent grads, the most commonly attended graduate school was Baylor itself (125), followed by Texas A&M (12).

• Enrollment: 15,213
• Cost of Attendance: $69,970
• Acceptance Rate: 46%

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, MN

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. 65% of class sections enroll 29 or fewer students. The most commonly conferred degrees are in biology (13%), business & marketing (11%), engineering (10%), the social sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and psychology (8%). The College of Science and Engineering and the Carlson School of Management have strong national reputations, and the chemistry, economics, psychology, and political science departments are also well-regarded.

Professional Outcomes: The top seven companies snatching up the largest number of recent grads are all companies headquartered in the state of Minnesota: Medtronic, Target, 3M, United Health Group, US Bank, and Cargill. Google, Apple, and Meta all employ hundreds of Twin Cities alumni. The mean starting salary for recent grads was $50k. With 130 graduate programs in science, art, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and the humanities, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

• Enrollment: 39,248 (undergraduate); 15,707 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,032-$35,632 (in-state); $54,446-$57,046
• Median SAT: 1370
• Acceptance Rate: 75%

Texas Christian University

• Forth Worth, TX

Academic Highlights: TCU offers 116 undergraduate majors. The most popular are housed in the Neely School of Business, including the highly-rated BBA in Entrepreneurship. 27% of all degrees conferred in 2022 fell under the business umbrella. The engineering program is also well-regarded. Other commonly conferred degrees include communications/journalism (15%), health professions (11%), and the social sciences (9%). 39% of its class sections have 20 or fewer students, and only 5% of courses seat more than 50.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 48% of recent diploma-earners were employed and 18% had their graduate school placement lined up. American Airlines, Deloitte, IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Medical City Hospitals employ the greatest number of recent alumni. Other companies with a large TCU presence include Microsoft, CBRE, Goldman Sachs, and AT&T. The most recent median starting salary was $58,900. For those who enrolled in an advanced degree program, the most commonly pursued areas of study were medicine/health (27%), business (21%), and psychology (13%).

• Enrollment: 10,523 (undergraduate); 1,750 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,051
• Acceptance Rate: 56%

Appalachian State University

Academic Highlights: Students can select from 150 bachelor’s degrees and 80 graduate programs at App State. A reasonable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to 39% of all course sections having fewer than 20 students and just 8% enrolling 50 or more. 20% of all 2022 grads earned their degree in business/marketing followed by health professions (10%), education (9%), parks & recreation (9%), journalism (8%), and psychology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of graduating, 86% of those surveyed have arrived at their next destination. Undergrads benefit from nine annual career fairs and the 16,000 employers that are approved to recruit on campus. Further, 99% of students find the Career Development Center to be helpful. Alumni go on to work in large numbers for Wells Fargo, Atrium Health, Novant Health, Bank of America, Red Hat, Cisco, and Duke Energy Corporation.

• Enrollment: 18,558
• Cost of Attendance: $20,339 (In-State); $37,335 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1180
• Retention Rate: 83%
• Graduation Rate: 75%

Michigan State University

• East Lansing, MI

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 200 programs—undergraduate, graduate, and professional—across 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU’s size and scope. Class sizes are a genuine mix of small seminars and giant lecture halls. 16% of the degrees conferred in 2022 were in the business/marketing category. The next most common degrees were earned in communication/journalism (12%), engineering (11%), and the social sciences (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of strutting across the graduation stage, 56% of Class of 2022 members had landed full-time employment, 27% were pursuing advanced degrees, and 6% were still looking for a job. The top employers of this group included big names like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Deloitte, Epic Systems, Target, PepsiCo, and Microsoft. The median starting salary earned was $60,000. Among the grads schools favored by recent alumni are the University of Michigan, New York University, Columbia University, and Boston University.

• Enrollment: 39,201
• Cost of Attendance: $27,805 (In-State); $55,189 (Out-of-State)
• Median ACT: 27
• Acceptance Rate:
• Graduation Rate: 82%

University of Oklahoma

Academic Highlights: In total, OU offers 170 academic programs, 80 of which are housed within the OU Health Sciences Center. With a very reasonable student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, the University of Oklahoma is able to run 47% of its course sections with an enrollment of 19 or less. Business (26%) is by far the most commonly conferred degree, followed by engineering (13%), agriculture (9%), biology (8%), and psychology (5%).

Professional Outcomes:  The top hiring employers in 2022 were Paycom, Deloitte, KPMG, Dell, AT&T, Boeing, Amazon, and Norman Public Schools. These connections are enhanced by the fact that 38% of recent grads reported completing an experiential learning opportunity during their undergraduate years. Large numbers of alumni are now pursuing an advanced degree at SMU, NYU, Oklahoma State, the University of Tulsa, and the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

• Enrollment: 21,294
• Cost of Attendance: $29,553 (In-State); $46,633 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1130
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Retention Rate: 84%
• Graduation Rate: 65%

Arizona State University

Academic Highlights: The faculty-to-student ratio is a fairly high 19:1, but not all classes call for stadium seating. In fact, 40% of course sections seat fewer than twenty students. Business is the concentration in which 22% of total bachelor’s degrees are conferred. Engineering (9%), biology (9%), and the health professions (7%) are the next three most popular. The WP Carey School of Business offers many highly ranked programs as does the Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Professional Outcomes: A healthy 83% percent of ASU graduates looking for work are employed within six months of earning their degrees. The median salary for an ASU grad is roughly $55,000. Among the school’s top fifty employers are Amazon, Apple, Intel, The Vanguard Group, and Walt Disney Company. Approximately one-fifth of recent grads enrolled in graduate school. Similar to employment, the size and scope of the university lead to many graduate pathways. Many grads continue at ASU itself, but some continue at various prestigious institutions.

• Enrollment: 65,492
• Cost of Attendance: $28,142 (in-state); $48,284 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1250

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Interior Design to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

• AP Score Calculators 
• SAT Score Calculator 
• ACT Score Calculator
• Best Summer Programs 
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• Best Colleges by Major

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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2024 Best Colleges with Interior Design Degrees in America

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1-25 of 290 results

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL •

• • Rating 3.91 out of 5   8,076 reviews

Senior: The University of Florida is amazing! The culture here is very "work hard, play hard." The classes are rigorous and the students are very ambitious and involved in many organizations. Greek Life and partying is also pretty big here. Sports are huge -- football and tailgating especially! The city itself (Gainesville, FL) is a small college town, which is really fun! Overall, I made the best decision coming to UF and highly recommend it! ... Read 8,076 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 30%

Net price $9,809

SAT range 1300-1470

#39 Best Colleges in America .

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

8076 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says The University of Florida is amazing! The culture here is very "work hard, play hard." The classes are rigorous and the students are very ambitious and involved in many organizations. Greek Life and... .

Read 8076 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 30% ,

Net Price : $9,809 ,

SAT Range : 1300-1470 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,769 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,769 reviews

Acceptance rate 29%

Net price $16,589

SAT range 1230-1500

#42 Best Colleges in America .

Blue checkmark.

AUSTIN, TX ,

6769 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6769 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 29% ,

Net Price : $16,589 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   7,644 reviews

Junior: FSU has a beautiful campus and outstanding athletics. The student body is very diverse and is known as one of the friendliest campuses in the country. The academics are very challenging, but ample tutoring and help is available. The sciences need more professors and better professors and more course offerings. This is something the school should really focus on. Dorms are typical dorms, definitely need dehumidifiers to avoid mold issues. The Greek life is very robust as is the club scene, but plenty of other activities to do and clubs to join outside of those. Overall, I absolutely love FSU and definitely feel I made the right choice. Go Noles! ... Read 7,644 reviews

Acceptance rate 37%

Net price $12,684

SAT range 1180-1340

#53 Best Colleges in America .

TALLAHASSEE, FL ,

7644 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says FSU has a beautiful campus and outstanding athletics. The student body is very diverse and is known as one of the friendliest campuses in the country. The academics are very challenging, but ample... .

Read 7644 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 37% ,

Net Price : $12,684 ,

SAT Range : 1180-1340 ,

Brookdale Community College

LINCROFT, NJ

• • Rating 4.12 out of 5   1,438

SUNY Monroe Community College

ROCHESTER, NY

• • Rating 3.78 out of 5   656

Mississippi College

CLINTON, MS

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   640

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,159 reviews

Sophomore: I have partaken in multiple clubs throughout my semesters here at Virginia Tech where I was able to develop leadership skills that I would have never thought to gain. Out of all the extracurriculars I have partook in, there are a couple I would like to speak upon that greatly impacted my leadership expertise which I can carry onto my future positions. Due to these activities, I took place in, I was able to get the Residential Well-being Student Leader position for the fall and other great opportunities I am grateful for. The leadership opportunities that I took part in include English Language Learner (ELL) Tutor, Sunday School Substitute teacher, and Hokie Health Advisor for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Overall the experience at Virginia Tech is amazing! ... Read 4,159 reviews

Acceptance rate 56%

Net price $20,109

SAT range 1210-1410

#55 Best Colleges in America .

BLACKSBURG, VA ,

4159 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I have partaken in multiple clubs throughout my semesters here at Virginia Tech where I was able to develop leadership skills that I would have never thought to gain. Out of all the extracurriculars... .

Read 4159 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 56% ,

Net Price : $20,109 ,

SAT Range : 1210-1410 ,

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI •

• • Rating 3.91 out of 5   3,458 reviews

Sophomore: The student life here is great if you love the party scene, but it gets a little tricky if you're not part of that crowd. It's very easy to make friends here though. The professors and TAs are so kind as well and they really know what they're talking about. You're definitely getting your money's worth out of UW! ... Read 3,458 reviews

Acceptance rate 60%

Net price $13,484

SAT range 1320-1500

#59 Best Colleges in America .

MADISON, WI ,

3458 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The student life here is great if you love the party scene, but it gets a little tricky if you're not part of that crowd. It's very easy to make friends here though. The professors and TAs are so... .

Read 3458 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 60% ,

Net Price : $13,484 ,

SAT Range : 1320-1500 ,

University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,675 reviews

Graduate Student: The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with classmates are often pleasant and enriching, fostering a sense of community. However, safety concerns linger as an area needing improvement. While the campus exudes warmth and inclusivity, addressing safety issues would further enhance the overall experience, ensuring students can focus on their studies without worry. Despite this aspect, the university's positive attributes, from its supportive faculty to its friendly student body, create a conducive environment for academic and personal growth. ... Read 4,675 reviews

Acceptance rate 53%

Net price $8,701

SAT range 1200-1470

#60 Best Colleges in America .

SEATTLE, WA ,

4675 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says The University of Washington offers a vibrant school life characterized by a welcoming atmosphere and warm-hearted professors who genuinely care about their students' success. Interactions with... .

Read 4675 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 53% ,

Net Price : $8,701 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1470 ,

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The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH •

• • Rating 3.92 out of 5   5,886 reviews

Junior: I have absolutely loved my experience at The Ohio State University for these past two years. I am actually a transfer student and I was a little worried about coming in to a brand new school halfway through my freshman year. However, all of the amazing faculty at Ohio State made it super easy to transition to a new school. I was able to get involved with student organizations from day one of being on campus. I love how many different ways there are to get involved; there truly is something for everyone here. Since it is a larger school, it is a little more dependent on your own self to get involved and take advantage of all the things that are offered. I also love having the city of Columbus to take advantage of! There are so many things to do and it makes it super easy to get off campus. I also love how proud everyone is to be a Buckeye. Overall, going to Ohio State was the best decision I ever made and I would do it again in a heartbeat. ... Read 5,886 reviews

Acceptance rate 57%

Net price $19,474

SAT range 1250-1440

#68 Best Colleges in America .

COLUMBUS, OH ,

5886 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I have absolutely loved my experience at The Ohio State University for these past two years. I am actually a transfer student and I was a little worried about coming in to a brand new school halfway... .

Read 5886 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 57% ,

Net Price : $19,474 ,

SAT Range : 1250-1440 ,

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   5,139 reviews

Alum: Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is walkable filled with nice community spaces and plenty of libraries, cafes, and rooms to study and meet with classmates. A lot of school spirit centered around the athletics. Most people live off campus starting second year. The apartments in Chauncey Square are an excellent location and close to night life spots and restaurants. Campus is very diverse and there are many opportunities to join clubs and student groups. Purdue is only 1 or 2 hours away from two different international airports, and shuttle busses run nearly everyday between those airports and Purdue campus, making travel easier for international or out of state students. Boiler up! ... Read 5,139 reviews

• grade  A Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 69%

Net price $14,619

SAT range 1190-1430

#79 Best Colleges in America .

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN ,

5139 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Academically challenging school that heavily focuses on STEM majors. If you are in liberal arts, there is a nice community but it is small and not nearly as funded as the STEM programs. Campus is... .

Read 5139 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A ,

Acceptance Rate : 69% ,

Net Price : $14,619 ,

SAT Range : 1190-1430 ,

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI •

• • Rating 3.91 out of 5   6,285 reviews

Freshman: Michigan State University offers an enriching and dynamic environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. With its sprawling campus nestled in East Lansing, MSU provides a vibrant community where students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, collaborate, and innovate. The university's commitment to research and innovation permeates every facet of campus life, offering students unparalleled opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research and hands-on learning experiences. Whether exploring the sciences, humanities, or professional fields, MSU empowers students to pursue their passions and develop the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Beyond the classroom, MSU boasts a rich array of extracurricular activities, from student organizations and clubs to cultural events and athletic competitions. ... Read 6,285 reviews

Acceptance rate 83%

Net price $8,738

SAT range 1100-1320

#86 Best Colleges in America .

EAST LANSING, MI ,

6285 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Michigan State University offers an enriching and dynamic environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. With its sprawling campus nestled in East Lansing, MSU provides a... .

Read 6285 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 83% ,

Net Price : $8,738 ,

SAT Range : 1100-1320 ,

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   4,860 reviews

Freshman: My experience at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has been pretty awesome so far! I've only been here for a semester, but there's already so much to love. First off, the campus itself is stunning, especially during fall when all the leaves change colors. The professors are super knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach, and they're always willing to help if you're struggling. Plus, there's such a wide range of classes to choose from, so you can really explore different subjects and find what you're interested in. One thing I think could be improved is the dining options on campus. While there are definitely a lot of places to eat, it would be nice to see more healthy and affordable options available, especially for students on a budget. Overall though, I'm really happy with my decision to come to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. It's been an amazing experience so far, and I can't wait to see what the rest of my time here holds! ... Read 4,860 reviews

Acceptance rate 73%

Net price $17,468

SAT range 1310-1490

#94 Best Colleges in America .

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,

4860 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My experience at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has been pretty awesome so far! I've only been here for a semester, but there's already so much to love. First off, the campus itself is... The professors are super knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach, and they're always willing to help if you're struggling. Plus, there's such a wide range of classes to choose from, so you... One thing I think could be improved is the dining options on campus. While there are definitely a lot of places to eat, it would be nice to see more healthy and affordable options available,... Overall though, I'm really happy with my decision to come to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. It's been an amazing experience so far, and I can't wait to see what the rest of my time here... .

Read 4860 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 73% ,

Net Price : $17,468 ,

SAT Range : 1310-1490 ,

George Washington University

Washington, DC •

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   2,237 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my overall experience at GWU! Although guidance pertaining to my studies/next steps following my education was sometimes difficult to seek (I graduated with a BA in Psychological & Brain Sciences), professors were receptive to sharing their knowledge on this matter and offered their perspective whenever applicable. It merely seems that a student needs to advocate for themself and actively search for the answers they're looking for -- it won't be offered on a platter. I found this to be the case with GWU's academic advising. Nonetheless, the academics were spectacular. I received a very well-rounded education and was surrounded by a great community. The staff, professors, and students all left a positive impression. Plus, I established meaningful friendships and connections that I know will last forever. GWU's campuses are beautiful and safe, and the main campus is conveniently located near a metro stop, allowing students to easily explore D.C. ... Read 2,237 reviews

Acceptance rate 50%

Net price $31,240

#96 Best Colleges in America .

WASHINGTON, DC ,

2237 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I thoroughly enjoyed my overall experience at GWU! Although guidance pertaining to my studies/next steps following my education was sometimes difficult to seek (I graduated with a BA in Psychological... .

Read 2237 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 50% ,

Net Price : $31,240 ,

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK •

• • Rating 3.94 out of 5   3,729 reviews

Alum: I had an incredible experience at Oklahoma State. The campus is beautiful and the University is always out making it look top notch with landscaping and keeping it clean. The people you’ll meet are what makes Oklahoma State special. Most everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly. I remember being really homesick in the beginning but Oklahoma State and Stillwater quickly became home to me and the people and the the locals played a big roll in that. As for Stillwater itself, it’s a small, blue collar town that slowly is coming up. The people who live locally in Stillwater are just as if not more friendly than the people you’ll meet on campus. Stillwater has a slower pace of living and is definitely more rural but there is still plenty of fun local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and other activities to go to or participate in with more coming. Once you learn to appreciate Stillwater for what it has as opposed to what is doesn’t have you’ll love it. Go Pokes! ... Read 3,729 reviews

Acceptance rate 68%

Net price $14,603

SAT range 1050-1250

#97 Best Colleges in America .

STILLWATER, OK ,

3729 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had an incredible experience at Oklahoma State. The campus is beautiful and the University is always out making it look top notch with landscaping and keeping it clean. The people you’ll meet are what makes Oklahoma State special. Most everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly. I remember being really homesick in the beginning but Oklahoma State and Stillwater... As for Stillwater itself, it’s a small, blue collar town that slowly is coming up. The people who live locally in Stillwater are just as if not more friendly than the people you’ll meet on campus.... Go Pokes! .

Read 3729 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 68% ,

Net Price : $14,603 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1250 ,

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Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, IN •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   4,978 reviews

Freshman: As a student who just finished their first year at Indiana University, I’d say my overall experience was great! First semester was my time to adjust to a brand new setting, learn how to be independent, and start to step out of comfort zone and meet new people and try new things. Then came second semester which had a rough start considering it was the cold winter in the Midwest and the beginning of the rush process for sorority recruitment. Later on throughout the semester my relationships with the people on my floor grew, I maintained an amazing friendship with my roommate, and I met new girls in my sorority I ended up joining. Additionally, IU has so many amazing resources from career services helping with your career path, resumes, LinkedIn, etc., to workshops, academic advisors, professors, tutoring services and even more. ... Read 4,978 reviews

Acceptance rate 85%

Net price $13,386

SAT range 1160-1380

#102 Best Colleges in America .

BLOOMINGTON, IN ,

4978 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says As a student who just finished their first year at Indiana University, I’d say my overall experience was great! First semester was my time to adjust to a brand new setting, learn how to be... .

Read 4978 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 85% ,

Net Price : $13,386 ,

SAT Range : 1160-1380 ,

Auburn University

Auburn, AL •

• • Rating 4.01 out of 5   2,599 reviews

Junior: I enjoy attending Auburn University because the experience it has given me has accurately prepared me for my next step in life. The university has equipped me with practical areas to grow in, and it has given me a support system to do so. I have met my best friends through campus organizations and campaigns. It has taught me the importance and joy of getting involved on campus and in my community! ... Read 2,599 reviews

Acceptance rate 71%

Net price $23,873

SAT range 1150-1320

#103 Best Colleges in America .

AUBURN, AL ,

2599 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I enjoy attending Auburn University because the experience it has given me has accurately prepared me for my next step in life. The university has equipped me with practical areas to grow in, and it... .

Read 2599 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 71% ,

Net Price : $23,873 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1320 ,

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ •

• • Rating 3.8 out of 5   11,824 reviews

Freshman: My experience with ASU has been really great! Although it’s already been one semester since I joined ASU but the diversity and the programs and the education system I got introduced to for the first ever time in my life it’s been so enjoyable and hell of a ride! I have no words to express my views as they aren’t just limited to words just like friendships as they don’t have any language barrier you can tag along with anyone your vibe match with and that experience the people I met, the projects I worked on the people I was surrounded with during the times of my classes I learned alot of things and alot of valuable lessons! I found people to look up to different people sharing different stories from all parts of the world after classes felt like a peaceful weekend enjoying the California sunset. During my English classes I learned about the American culture shared my experiences, made friends with new people and now that I’m going back for summers I got my own stories to tell my family ... Read 11,824 reviews

Acceptance rate 88%

Net price $14,653

#106 Best Colleges in America .

TEMPE, AZ ,

11824 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My experience with ASU has been really great! Although it’s already been one semester since I joined ASU but the diversity and the programs and the education system I got introduced to for the first... .

Read 11824 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 88% ,

Net Price : $14,653 ,

University of Oklahoma

Norman, OK •

• • Rating 3.89 out of 5   3,245 reviews

Senior: The University of Oklahoma is an amazing school for you to do your undergrad in. If you are looking for a school that would offer excellent education, great faculty and endless opportunities for campus involvement, OU is the place for you! There is a rich community of international students which gives the school room for events about different places in the world. In terms of scholarships, OU also offers scholarships every year. ... Read 3,245 reviews

Net price $22,022

SAT range 1150-1340

#111 Best Colleges in America .

NORMAN, OK ,

3245 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says The University of Oklahoma is an amazing school for you to do your undergrad in. If you are looking for a school that would offer excellent education, great faculty and endless opportunities for... There is a rich community of international students which gives the school room for events about different places in the world. In terms of scholarships, OU also offers scholarships every year. .

Read 3245 reviews.

Net Price : $22,022 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1340 ,

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX •

• • Rating 3.96 out of 5   1,734 reviews

Alum: I had the best time at TCU! Fort Worth was such a welcoming city and was such a wonderful place to be a student. The campus is small enough to walk everywhere and was such a safe space. The professors were wonderful and really enjoyed what they taught. It was a school where you got out of it, what you were willing to put into your time there. I felt like there was a place for everyone and I miss being there. My college years were some of my fondest and I made some of my best friends there. ... Read 1,734 reviews

Acceptance rate 54%

Net price $42,574

SAT range 1130-1350

#112 Best Colleges in America .

FORT WORTH, TX ,

1734 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I had the best time at TCU! Fort Worth was such a welcoming city and was such a wonderful place to be a student. The campus is small enough to walk everywhere and was such a safe space. The... .

Read 1734 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 54% ,

Net Price : $42,574 ,

SAT Range : 1130-1350 ,

Iowa State University

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   4,004 reviews

Freshman: I just finished my freshman year at ISU. Campus is gorgeous and accessible, and there is always something going on. Athletics create a prominent "cyclone culture" among the students, but there is far more to ISU than just sports. There are many student groups and clubs for students to be involved in, and making friends is easy. As an out of state student, I worried about the social aspect of coming to ISU, but meeting people has not been a problem, and the "Midwest-nice" stereotype proves true. Campus food and housing are both pretty solid if you know what to look for, and the city of Ames itself is full of great restaurants, coffee shops, and quirky spots to visit. There have been some safety issues throughout the year, but that is expected at any largescale university. Overall, I have loved my time at ISU so far, and I'm excited to spend three more years here in this community that I love so much. ... Read 4,004 reviews

Acceptance rate 91%

Net price $15,422

SAT range 1070-1330

#121 Best Colleges in America .

4004 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I just finished my freshman year at ISU. Campus is gorgeous and accessible, and there is always something going on. Athletics create a prominent "cyclone culture" among the students, but there is far... There are many student groups and clubs for students to be involved in, and making friends is easy. As an out of state student, I worried about the social aspect of coming to ISU, but meeting people... Campus food and housing are both pretty solid if you know what to look for, and the city of Ames itself is full of great restaurants, coffee shops, and quirky spots to visit. There have been some safety issues throughout the year, but that is expected at any largescale university. Overall, I have loved my time at ISU so far, and I'm excited to spend three more years here in this community that I love so much. .

Read 4004 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 91% ,

Net Price : $15,422 ,

SAT Range : 1070-1330 ,

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   4,806 reviews

Freshman: The University of Alabama has a beautiful campus. There are always fun events and social activities to participate in. I am currently in my freshman year at the school, and so far it has been nothing but amazing. I live in the dorms and walk to all my classes. I am in Greek life and joined informally in the second semester. Not only have I made friends from just going to class but also going to lunch at the dining hall, and where I live. If you don't like parties and going out, there is plenty for you to still do. Many organizations and events have activities where you don't drink or party and you just meet new people and get connected socially. I love going out with my friends and also going to campus events. The campus is very walkable and safe during all parts of the day, but still walk with a friend or buddy to ease your parents' minds. Once you visit the campus there is no going back or going to another school! ... Read 4,806 reviews

Acceptance rate 79%

Net price $21,263

SAT range 1070-1370

#123 Best Colleges in America .

TUSCALOOSA, AL ,

4806 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says The University of Alabama has a beautiful campus. There are always fun events and social activities to participate in. I am currently in my freshman year at the school, and so far it has been nothing... .

Read 4806 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 79% ,

Net Price : $21,263 ,

SAT Range : 1070-1370 ,

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX •

• • Rating 3.89 out of 5   5,425 reviews

Sophomore: My experience with Texas Tech has been outstanding, I love the classes that I am taking and the people I get to be with. The clubs and organizations over there are great too! I go to The Way and Christians At Tech and they have helped me so much in my walk with the Lord. There was only 1 bad professor out of the many that I have taken, every other professor I enjoyed and that says a lot when I hear the 4 or 5 professors from my other peers. Texas Tech is a wonderful college and if you are considering go to Tech, I believe that it would be worth it. This is 100% of my opinion and not trying to be biased towards tech, if I didn't like tech I would say so. ... Read 5,425 reviews

Net price $17,057

SAT range 1110-1280

#125 Best Colleges in America .

LUBBOCK, TX ,

5425 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience with Texas Tech has been outstanding, I love the classes that I am taking and the people I get to be with. The clubs and organizations over there are great too! I go to The Way and... .

Read 5425 reviews.

Net Price : $17,057 ,

SAT Range : 1110-1280 ,

California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA •

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   4,887 reviews

Alum: I loved my experience at CSULB. I did get wait listed from the dorms during my freshman year, so I would like to see some more housing options for freshmen who aren't local to the area. However, the school did add another dorm building this last year, so that is nice to see that they are addressing the issue. I joined Greek life for 2 years and met some life long friends who are kind and down-to-earth. I have great relationships with a few of my psychology professors and I loved my experience working on campus as a research assistant and a teaching assistant. I think that the psychology program was pretty enriching and I feel that CSULB prepared me to tackle graduate school. Another thing that I would change would be the parking situation. If it were possible, I would love to see another parking structure to be constructed possibly near the library. Overall, CSULB is a great school for a phenomenal cost! ... Read 4,887 reviews

Acceptance rate 47%

Net price $9,171

SAT range 1020-1240

#129 Best Colleges in America .

LONG BEACH, CA ,

4887 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I loved my experience at CSULB. I did get wait listed from the dorms during my freshman year, so I would like to see some more housing options for freshmen who aren't local to the area. However, the... .

Read 4887 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 47% ,

Net Price : $9,171 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1240 ,

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   3,646 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Arkansas stands as a beacon of academic excellence and vibrant student life. Renowned for its exceptional professors who inspire and guide students to achieve their highest potential, the university fosters a culture of learning and growth. The excitement of sporting events electrifies campus, uniting students and alumni in a shared spirit of pride and camaraderie. Beyond academics and athletics, the university offers a dynamic and fun environment, where diverse opportunities for social and cultural enrichment abound. Moreover, its commitment to career readiness ensures that graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for success in today's competitive job market. ... Read 3,646 reviews

Net price $15,218

SAT range 1050-1220

#131 Best Colleges in America .

FAYETTEVILLE, AR ,

3646 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Arkansas stands as a beacon of academic excellence and vibrant student life. Renowned for its exceptional professors who inspire and guide students to achieve their highest... .

Read 3646 reviews.

Net Price : $15,218 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1220 ,

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH •

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   4,156 reviews

Freshman: Overall, the University of Cincinnati is a wonderful college. It offers good courses, good dining, options, and the public facilities are great! I especially liked how populated and diverse the campus was. However, if I had to give one thing that made my experience less than optimal, it would be this: there never seemed to be enough. Never enough counselors, never enough equipment for everyone in labs, never enough parking, never enough space in the library, etc. University is a busy bustling campus, which I like, but it also means that there are way too many people for the resources provided. ... Read 4,156 reviews

• grade  A minus Overall Niche Grade

Net price $20,827

SAT range 1150-1350

#144 Best Colleges in America .

CINCINNATI, OH ,

4156 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Overall, the University of Cincinnati is a wonderful college. It offers good courses, good dining, options, and the public facilities are great! I especially liked how populated and diverse the... .

Read 4156 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A minus ,

Net Price : $20,827 ,

SAT Range : 1150-1350 ,

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS •

• • Rating 3.87 out of 5   3,520 reviews

Graduate Student: My experience at Kansas State university would meet your typical experience. From the start, I had trouble enrolling because of their out-dated system but the staff were more han willing to assist. The professors varies depending on what courses were taken. Some professors really wanted students to not only pass, but to Excell. On the contrary, some professors were only there for their research or something and barely taught class. The campus layout is great, but I would recommend an electric scooter for cross campus travel. In conclusion, I would recommend the school but do some research on who your professors are. Good luck! ... Read 3,520 reviews

Acceptance rate 96%

Net price $19,874

SAT range —

#146 Best Colleges in America .

MANHATTAN, KS ,

3520 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says My experience at Kansas State university would meet your typical experience. From the start, I had trouble enrolling because of their out-dated system but the staff were more han willing to assist.... .

Read 3520 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 96% ,

Net Price : $19,874 ,

Washington State University

Pullman, WA •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   4,108 reviews

Alum: Overall, my experience with Washington State University has been positive, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. One notable aspect of the WSU experience is its strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university is home to numerous research centers and institutes, where faculty and students collaborate on cutting-edge research projects that address pressing global challenges and contribute to advancements in various fields. WSU also boasts a vibrant campus life, with a diverse student body, numerous student organizations, and a wide range of extracurricular activities and events. Additionally, the university is well-known for its programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and communication. ... Read 4,108 reviews

Acceptance rate 86%

Net price $11,877

SAT range 1020-1210

#149 Best Colleges in America .

PULLMAN, WA ,

4108 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, my experience with Washington State University has been positive, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. One notable aspect of the... .

Read 4108 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 86% ,

Net Price : $11,877 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1210 ,

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design

LANCASTER, PA

• • Rating 3.73 out of 5   144

Athens Technical College

• • Rating 3.78 out of 5   287

Moore College of Art & Design

PHILADELPHIA, PA

• • Rating 3.86 out of 5   226

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, looking for colleges with strong interior design programs.

I'm a junior and starting to search for colleges. I'm really interested in pursuing interior design as a career. Can anyone suggest some colleges with strong interior design programs?

Sure! There are quite a few colleges known for their strong interior design programs. Here's a list of some popular options:

1. Parsons School of Design (The New School) — Located in New York City, Parsons is renowned for its interior design program, which focuses on sustainable design and offers numerous resources for students to gain hands-on experience.

2. Pratt Institute — Another NYC-based institute, Pratt offers a well-regarded BFA in Interior Design program that focuses on critical thinking, design methodologies, and sustainable practices.

3. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) — RISD is a prestigious art school that offers a competitive BFA in Interior Architecture program, which combines aspects of interior design and architecture.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) — SCAD is known for its BFA in Interior Design program, offering students access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

5. California College of the Arts (CCA) — Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, CCA offers a BFA in Interior Design, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, material exploration, and design practice.

6. University of Cincinnati — The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati offers a top-ranked BS in Interior Design program, which features a unique cooperative education experience allowing students to gain professional experience while studying.

7. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) — Virginia Tech's College of Architecture and Urban Studies offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design that emphasizes hands-on learning and diverse design perspectives.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other schools with excellent interior design programs to explore. When researching, make sure to consider factors like location, size of the school, and any specific facilities or resources you may be interested in. Best of luck in your search and future studies!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

List of All U.S. Colleges with an Interior Design Major

What’s covered:.

• Overview of the Interior Design Major
• What to Look for in an Interior Design Program
• List of Schools with an Interior Design Major

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

When you enter a room, how do you feel? Is the space warm and inviting? Are there tasteful decorations and a welcoming atmosphere? This could be thanks to an interior designer.

Interior designers make inside spaces aesthetically-pleasing and functional. They work with a wide range of facilities, from private homes to hospitals to office settings to hotel lobbies.

If you have an eye for detail, an artistic mind, and technical competence, then interior design could be the path for you. 

Overview of Interior Design

To become an interior designer, you’ll usually need a bachelor’s degree. Although associate degree programs in interior design do exist, you may have difficulty finding a job beyond the assistant level unless you complete an additional two years of education (four years in total).

A bachelor’s degree program in interior design typically includes coursework in areas like:

• Color theory
• Interior design graphics
• Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CAD)
• History of interiors
• Space planning
• Sustainability
• Interior design business practices
• Building codes
• Hands-on studio experience

Some states require practicing interior designers to be certified. That means passing an exam administered by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). There are different requirements for certification, including education and experience.

Although there are master’s degree programs in interior design, people don’t typically need graduate degrees to practice.

In addition to qualities and traits like design and aesthetic sense, successful interior designers should have skills such as:

• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Technical knowledge
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills

Many (but not all) interior designers work with clients as independent contractors, meaning they are effectively conducting their own businesses. This, of course, additionally demands a strong business sense and the ability to self-manage. Others work in interior design firms, construction sites, commercial stores, and other settings. No matter where they work, they will often travel to client spaces, too.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $56,040 among interior designers in the U.S. in 2019.

What to Look for in a College as an Interior Design Major

Accreditation.

It’s a good idea to pursue interior design bachelor’s degree programs that are accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). This will prepare you for your career, as well as the NCIDQ exam.

Cutting-Edge Technologies

Technology is fundamental to a strong interior design program. At Parsons School of Design, in which The New School’s program in interior design is housed, the coursework is intended to prepare students to “develop new design approaches using traditional fabrication methods as well as emerging technologies, such as bio-based materials and virtual and augmented reality.”

Students should look for programs that use and train students to use the latest technologies for their education and careers, including CAD, a fundamental practice in the field.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Becoming an interior designer requires hands-on practice. Look for programs that give students the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through internships, apprenticeships, and other real-world practice. Not only will this give you a strong foundation in your craft, but it will help you secure a job in the field after you graduate.

Baylor University, for example, requires students to complete an internship with a qualified interior designer or architect for course credit. Students can also participate in a summer study abroad program to see examples of design and architecture firsthand in destinations like Britain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Specializations

When you start your program, you probably won’t know what your specialty will be, or if you’ll have one at all. That said, you should still seek out programs that will prepare you for a range of niches. Some common specialties are:

List of All U.S. Colleges With an Interior Design Major

Top colleges use the Academic Index , a metric that represents the strength of your GPA and test scores, to filter out applicants before even looking at qualitative factors. Because extracurricular activities are so important for prospective interior design students, you should make sure adcoms get a chance to see your application by bringing an exemplary academic profile to the table.

To find out your true odds of admission to the best interior design schools, we recommend trying our free Chancing Engine (it’s free). Informed by data like your academic records and extracurricular activities, it will estimate your real chances of admission to these and hundreds of other schools in the U.S.

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Best Interior Design colleges in the U.S. 2024

Best interior design colleges in the u.s. for 2024.

University of Florida offers 2 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 28 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 24 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Master's degrees.

The University of Texas at Austin offers 3 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 21 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 11 Bachelor's degrees, 7 Master's degrees, and 3 Certificates.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city.

University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 31 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 31 Bachelor's degrees.

Florida State University offers 2 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 54 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 46 Bachelor's degrees, and 8 Master's degrees.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 34 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 34 Bachelor's degrees.

Auburn University offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 47 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 47 Bachelor's degrees.

Texas Christian University offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 15 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 15 Bachelor's degrees.

University of North Texas offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 33 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 33 Bachelor's degrees.

Arizona State University Campus Immersion offers 1 Interior Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 27 Interior Design students graduated with students earning 27 Bachelor's degrees.

Find local colleges with Interior Design majors in the U.S.

List of all interior design colleges in the u.s..

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Wilson College Student Places Second in Nextile Competition

Anna Stuffelbeam loves a creative challenge, so it’s no surprise that she placed second in Nextile’s Soy In Textile Design Challenge in March. A Master of Textiles student at Wilson College of Textiles , Stuffelbeam is interested in the technical aspect of fabric design. The challenge provides an opportunity for college students to use their creative skills to increase the sustainability of textiles. 

In this inaugural challenge sponsored by U.S. Soy , students from textile programs at six colleges nationwide were invited by Nextile to create an original fabric from soy-based materials and an original design for its use. U.S. soybean farmers are able to produce more using fewer resources and have the lowest carbon footprint compared to other producers, providing a sustainable approach to agriculture. 

Students were given a “mystery box” of various soy-based materials and had to incorporate at least three into their design. Four students were chosen from each college to compete among each other, and the winners of each college submitted their projects for the second round of the competition. As the runner up, Stuffelbeam won a $500 scholarship.

The Competition

“I’m inspired by nature, so I always start with drawing some motifs that are nature-based,” Stuffelbeam says. “I ended up drawing some plants that were based on the materials I was using, so some soy leaves and a pomegranate branch based on the natural plant dyes I used for the fabric as well.”

Stuffelbeam ended up creating a quilted foliage coat, using the soy elements french terry, top roving and silk thread. She used the french terry fabric as the base, dyed the fabric with natural madder root and hand-stitched it with decorative couching. The yarn for the couching was hand-spun from the soy top sliver. She used the soy silk yarn to stitch the appliqué and couching details. 

“The biggest challenge was that I wanted to incorporate more of the materials they gave us that were different–not only the fiber based materials, like the wax or the pigments,” Stuffelbeam says. “The three week time-frame made it challenging to experiment to the full extent of what was possible with the materials.”

Despite the time constraint, Stuffelbeam enjoyed trying new techniques, like the couching and appliqué.

“Anna is so innovative in the way that she took this box of unusual materials and made something beautiful out of it,” Assistant Professor Kate Nartker says. “She hand-embroidered fabric swatches and then texture mapped them onto products. She did that portion really well–enabling the judges to envision her designs on a final application.”

Key Takeaways

Nartker worked with other textile design faculty to select a small group of students for the competition. She served as the faculty liaison between the students and Nextile, handing out the mystery boxes of materials and offering support along the way. She thinks that design competitions like this one play an important role in preparing students for industry opportunities.

“You’re in a position where you have to clearly articulate what it is you designed, who are you designing for and your vision and process,” Nartker says.

Stuffelbeam says that this competition pushed her to use materials that she wouldn’t have used otherwise and apply her skills in a way that worked with those materials. It helped prepare her for future jobs in an industry where she won’t always get to work with materials she is comfortable with.

“I think it was a good experience getting outside of my comfort zone and actually applying my design skills to whatever materials I’m given. Whatever the challenge is, I can work within that,” Stuffelbeam says. 

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