Interior Designing Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Level of study

Streams

Countries

Cities

Fees

Exams Accepted

Course Duration

72 results found

Interior Design, B.F.A.

New York Institute of Technology, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Bachelor of Science in Interior Design

Lawrence Technological University, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
INR 27.93L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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B.F.A. Interior Design

University of Wisconsin Stout, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
INR 59.31L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.0
INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

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Interior Design Professional Program BFA

Purdue University, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

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B.S. in Interior Design

University of Minnesota, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
INR 119.39L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.5
INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

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B.S.D. in Interior Design

Arizona State University, USA

DURATION
3 Years 11 Months
FEES
INR 31.20L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Interior Design Merchandising (BA)

Seattle Pacific University, USA

DURATION
-
FEES
INR 120.13L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.5
INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2025

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Interior Design BS

East Carolina University, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
INR 17.93L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

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Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design

Sam Houston State University, USA

DURATION
4 Years
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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A.A.S. in Interior Design

Montana State University, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 23.39L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.0
INTAKE SESSION
AUG 2025

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Highlights of Interior Designing Courses in USA

Aspect	Details
Course Types Available	Diploma, Associate, Bachelor’s (BFA/BS), Master’s (MA/MFA), Short-term/Online
Popular Degree Levels	BFA, BS, MA, MFA, Diploma
Top Interior Design Schools USA	SCAD, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Pratt Institute, NYSID, Parsons
Course Duration	1 to 4 years (varies by diploma, UG, or PG level)
Average Tuition Fees	$15,000 – $55,000/year (₹12L – ₹46L)

Types of Interior Designing Courses in USA

Students can choose from quick diploma programs, two-year associate degrees, or full bachelor’s and master’s degrees, depending on time, budget, and career goals. These cater to students with different goals—quick skill-building, career change, or professional specialization.

Common Interior Designing Courses in USA

Course Type	Duration	Best Suited For
Diploma in Interior Design USA	6–12 months	Beginners looking for a practical entry into the field
Associate Degree in Interior Design	2 years	Students planning to transfer to a bachelor’s program
Interior Design Bachelor Courses USA	3–4 years	Class 12 graduates aiming for a full-time undergraduate path
Interior Design Master’s Degree USA	1–2 years	Architecture/design grads looking for advanced specialisation
Short-Term Interior Courses USA	3–9 months	Working professionals or career switchers
Online Interior Design Courses USA	Flexible	International students needing remote or low-cost options

Top Universities for Interior Designing Courses in USA

Top USA design schools offer industry-driven programs in interior design across diploma, bachelor’s (BFA/B.Des), and master’s levels (MFA/M.Des/MA Interior Architecture). Most private schools charge between $45,000–$60,000/year (₹37L–₹50L), while public options like UCLA cost significantly less.

Best Universitites to Study Interior Designing in USA

University (City)	QS Design Rank	Fee Range (USD – INR/year)
The New School – Parsons (New York, NY)	3	$48,000–$52,000 (₹39L–₹43L)
RISD – Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI)	4	$52,000–$56,000 (₹42.6L–₹45.9L)
Pratt Institute (New York, NY)	7	$50,000–$55,000 (₹41L–₹45.1L)
SAIC – Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)	9	$50,000–$54,000 (₹41L–₹44.2L)
SCAD – Savannah College of Art and Design (GA)	13	$38,000–$41,000 (₹31.2L–₹33.6L)
Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, CA)	14	$44,000–$48,000 (₹36L–₹39.4L)
UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)	24	$12,000–$15,000 (₹10L–₹12.3L)
SVA – School of Visual Arts (New York, NY)	25	$46,000–$50,000 (₹37.7L–₹41L)

Curriculum – Interior Designing Courses in USA

Accredited programs at interior design schools in USA include studio work, CAD/3D tools, and courses on lighting, sustainability, and client communication. All major programs—Diploma, BFA, and MFA—develop creative and technical skills required in today’s interior design jobs.

Subjects Covered in Interior Designing Courses in USA

Course Area	Subjects and Tools Covered
Design Software	AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino – industry standard tools
Studio Practice	Residential and commercial interior planning, 3D model building, scaled floor plans
Color and Lighting	Color theory, ambient and task lighting, mood and texture impact
CAD and 3D Modeling	Digital drafting, space rendering, blueprint conversions
Sustainability Focus	Eco-friendly material selection, LEED principles, green space utilization
Professional Skills	Client communication, interior design codes, safety compliance, budgeting, portfolio building

Most accredited interior design bachelor courses USA and interior design master’s degree USA include internships or externships that lead to practical exposure and jobs after interior design course.

Intakes – Interior Designing Courses in USA

Most interior designing courses in USA follow two major intakes—Fall (August/September) and Spring (January). Fall is the main intake, especially for interior design bachelor courses USA and interior design master’s degree USA, with more seats and funding options.

Application deadlines vary by school but typically close 6–9 months before intake. For top programs, portfolio review periods and interviews may start as early as December for the Fall cycle. Short-term interior courses for international students often have rolling intakes.

Eligibility for Interior Designing Courses in USA

Admission to interior designing courses in USA depends on your academic level, design background, and English proficiency. For bachelor’s degrees, students must complete 10+2 with good grades and submit a strong design portfolio. For master’s programs, a related undergraduate degree (design, architecture, fine arts) is expected.

A portfolio is mandatory for most top programs. It should include original sketches, 2D/3D work, and space design concepts. IELTS or TOEFL scores are needed for all international students. Some short-term or diploma courses are flexible on portfolios but still require proof of English skills.

SOP and LORs matter more for graduate-level and scholarship-based programs.

Eligibility Criteria for Interior Designing Courses in USA

Criteria	Bachelor’s (B.Des/BFA)	Master’s (M.Des/MFA/MA)
Academic Background	10+2 (any stream, arts preferred)	UG degree in design/architecture/fine arts
Portfolio	Required by all top schools	Mandatory – evaluated for creativity
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.0+/TOEFL 80+	IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+
SOP	Not always required	Strong SOP needed
LORs	Optional	1–2 academic/professional LORs
Work Experience	Not needed	Preferred but not mandatory
Age Limit	No upper age limit	No upper age limit

Admission Process for Interior Designing Courses in USA

Application for interior designing courses in USA involves online forms, portfolio reviews, and standard academic documents. Most top US universities for interior design accept applications through their official websites or common portals like the Common App (UG) or ApplyTexas. For graduate interior design programs, schools use platforms like Slideroom or direct applications.

Your portfolio is the most important element—it must reflect original concepts, technical skills, and design thinking. Some schools also conduct interviews, especially for interior design master’s degree USA. Response times vary but generally take 4–8 weeks.

Required Documents for Interior Design Admissions in USA

Academic transcripts (10+2 or UG depending on course level)
English test scores – IELTS/TOEFL
Portfolio (PDF or digital)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Resume (for graduate programs)
Passport copy

Tip: Apply at least 8–10 months in advance, especially for interior design scholarships in USA.

Scholarships for Interior Designing Courses in USA

Top design schools in the US offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Some awards cover full or partial tuition, others include stipends or design-specific fellowships. Students applying to interior design bachelor courses USA or interior design masters degree USA should check the school’s financial aid section.

There are also Indian government scholarships for US-bound students, and several design colleges offer tuition discounts for international students.

Popular Scholarships for Interior Design Students in USA

Scholarship Name	Covers	Target Group
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship	Full tuition + living	Indian PG students in creative/design fields
SCAD Merit Scholarships	Up to 50% tuition	BFA/MFA applicants with strong portfolios
Pratt Institute Scholarships	Tuition discounts + stipends	UG/PG admitted students
Parsons Graduate Fellowships	Partial funding for top admits	MFA/MDes in Interior Design
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Up to $100,000 for PG	Indian students in design, arts, architecture
Need-Based Aid (Most US colleges)	Variable	UG/PG students with proven financial need

Many best interior design schools USA automatically consider international students for scholarships during admission. No separate form is needed in most cases.

Jobs and Salary After Interior Designing Courses in USA

Graduates from interior designing courses in USA earn an average salary of $60,000/year (₹50L), depending on role, experience, and location. Career paths include residential design, lighting, and visual merchandising. Most jobs are portfolio-driven, and salaries grow with specialization and industry experience.

Top Job Roles After Interior Design Course

Interior Designer – residential, commercial, or institutional projects
Lighting Consultant – visual ambiance and energy-efficient layouts
Set Designer – film, television, event design
Design Strategist – brand environments and user experience
Furniture/Material Specialist – for design houses and suppliers
CAD/3D Visualizer – technical modeling for design firms

Average Salary After Interior Designing in USA

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary (USD)	INR Equivalent
Entry-level (0–2 yrs)	$40,000 – $55,000	₹33L – ₹45L
Mid-level (3–6 yrs)	$55,000 – $70,000	₹45L – ₹57L
Senior (7+ yrs)	$75,000 – $100,000+	₹61L – ₹82L+

Internships at top USA design schools often lead to full-time roles, especially in retail, hospitality, and set design.

Cost of Studying Interior Designing in USA

The average cost of studying interior design in USA is $35,000/year (₹28.7L), including tuition and living expenses. Fees depend on the course level—diploma in interior design USA is cheaper, while a master’s degree in interior design USA has higher tuition and material costs. Short-term and online courses are more affordable for international students.

Interior Design College Fees in USA (By Program Type)

Program Type	Tuition/Year (USD)	INR Equivalent
Diploma/Certificate (1 year)	$10,000 – $18,000	₹8.2L – ₹14.7L
Associate Degree (2 years)	$12,000 – $20,000	₹9.8L – ₹16.4L
Bachelor’s (BFA, B.Des – 4 years)	$25,000 – $45,000	₹20.5L – ₹36.9L
Master’s (MFA, M.Des – 2 years)	$30,000 – $55,000	₹24.6L – ₹45L
Short-term Interior Courses (3–6 months)	$3,000 – $7,000	₹2.5L – ₹5.7L
Online Interior Design Courses USA	$500 – $5,000	₹41K – ₹4.1L

Other Expenses (Approx. Annual)

Studio Materials & Tools: $1,000 – $2,000 (₹82K – ₹1.6L)
Design Software Access: $200 – $600 (₹16K – ₹49K)
Health Insurance: $1,200 – $2,000 (₹98K – ₹1.6L)
Living Costs: $10,000 – $18,000 (₹8.2L – ₹14.7L)

Budget for ₹20L–₹50L per year, depending on course, location, and college type.

Career Path After Interior Designing Courses in USA

Most interior design graduates start as junior designers or studio assistants. With 3–5 years of experience, they move into project ownership or consulting roles. Senior professionals lead design teams, manage large accounts, or run independent studios.

High-paying roles are available in retail, hospitality, real estate, and set design. A master’s or strong portfolio accelerates this path. Average salaries range from $45,000–$90,000/year (₹37L–₹74L) depending on role and experience.

Sample Career Path After Interior Design Courses in USA

Stage	Role	What You Do
Year 0–2	Junior Interior Designer	Draft layouts, assist with client projects, support senior designers
Year 2–5	Interior Designer/Space Planner	Lead small projects, handle client meetings, manage vendors and site work
Year 5–8	Project Manager/Strategist	Oversee teams, run end-to-end projects, plan branded spaces or retail stores
Year 8+	Studio Lead/Consultant	Head design teams, start your own studio, or take large-scale commercial jobs

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FAQs About Interior Designing Courses in USA

What are the best interior designing courses in USA for Indian students?

Top-ranked interior designing courses in USA include the BFA in Interior Design at Parsons School of Design (NYC), Interior Architecture at Rhode Island School of Design, and the MS in Interior Architecture at SCAD. These are among the best interior design schools USA with strong faculty and industry access.

Can I study interior designing in USA after 12th without prior design experience?

Yes. Many interior design bachelor courses USA accept students directly after 12th grade, especially B.Des or BFA programs. You don’t need formal training, but creative aptitude and a basic portfolio help.

Is a portfolio compulsory for interior designing courses in USA?

For most bachelor’s and master’s interior design degrees USA, a portfolio is required. For diploma in interior design USA or certificate courses, it’s usually optional but encouraged to show your design thinking.

What’s the salary after studying interior designing in USA?

Interior designers in the US earn around $45,000–$70,000/year (₹37L–₹58L), depending on location and experience. Specialized roles in luxury, sustainability, or real estate design pay more.

Are there scholarships for diploma-level interior design courses in USA?

Yes. Some schools offer interior design scholarships in USA even for diploma or certificate-level programs, especially if you're applying from underrepresented regions or have financial need.

Do US design schools offer internships with real-world clients?

Yes. Many top US universities for interior design partner with local firms for internship-based studio projects. Schools like Pratt and SCAD offer co-op terms with design consultancies and realtors.

What’s the difference between BFA and B.Des in interior design in USA?

A BFA in Interior Design focuses more on artistic and conceptual training, while a B.Des leans toward applied skills and technical drawing. Both are recognized degrees with different curriculums.

Can international students take part-time jobs during an interior design program in USA?

Yes. On an F-1 visa, you can work 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during holidays. Jobs can include lab assistants, library staff, or on-campus design internships.

Is NCIDQ certification required after studying interior design in USA?

It’s not mandatory but highly recommended. NCIDQ certification is needed for licensed interior design practice in several US states. Your degree must meet eligibility for interior design USA standards.

Which are the top cities for interior design jobs after studying in USA?

New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago lead in hiring interior designers. These cities offer the best return on interior design college fees USA due to high-paying jobs and design demand.

Are hybrid or online interior designing degrees available in USA?

Yes. Many schools now offer online interior design courses USA or hybrid formats for working professionals or international students unable to relocate full-time.

What are the OPT rules for interior design graduates in USA?

Interior Design is typically not a STEM field, so OPT is 1 year. Some interior design masters degree USA programs may offer STEM tracks (e.g., Interior Architecture) eligible for 3-year OPT.

Is H-1B sponsorship common for interior designers in USA?

H-1B sponsorship is less common in creative fields. However, large architecture and real estate firms occasionally sponsor roles tied to interior design job roles USA, especially in urban development.

Can I shift from architecture to interior design at the master’s level in USA?

Yes. Several interior design master’s degree USA programs accept students from architecture backgrounds. Your previous design education strengthens your application and may waive foundation modules.

What’s the scope for interior designers in sustainable design and real estate in USA?

There's growing demand for sustainable interiors in commercial and residential real estate. LEED-certified design and green material expertise open up high-paying opportunities in this niche.

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