Consider Your Future Goals
The interior design field explores the art and science of indoor spaces, but each program has its own unique focus and attributes. During the selection process, you should look for a program that would propel you toward your goals for the future.
For example, if you have a particular area of interest within interior design—such as furniture design or sustainability—prioritize programs with specializations or courses in those disciplines. You might also explore schools with reputable faculty or organizational partnerships in those fields.
If you need to develop experience or a portfolio, seek out programs that support and facilitate these endeavors. If you want to teach after graduation, look for a program that offers courses in curriculum design or teaching and assessment.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
For the schools and programs on this page, tuition prices fall between $451 and $890 per credit. With the average master’s program requiring between 36 and 45 credits, you can expect total tuition for an online master’s in interior design to cost between $16,236 and $40,050.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition cost $19,749 per year on average in the 2020-21 school year. That puts the most expensive program on this list in line with the average two-year program. The most affordable program on this page comes in at less than half that.
Regardless of the cost, all online students should consider submitting the FAFSA, which is often required to qualify learners for federal aid, state government aid, scholarships, grants and other types of student aid.