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The United States has an array of top-tier universities offering top-tier interior design programs. These programs equip aspiring designers with the creative and technical skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field. While tuition fees can be substantial, ranging from an average of USD 30,000 to USD 60,000 per year, numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities exist to support international students. Additionally, the cost of living in the USA varies significantly by location, with major cities like New York and Los Angeles generally being more expensive than smaller towns. However, Indian students can expect to spend an average of USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 annually on living expenses, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials.
This Blog Includes:
- Why Study Interior Design in the USA?
- Best Courses to Study Interior Design in USA
- Top Universities to Study Interior Design USA
- Eligibility Criteria for Interior Design USA
- Admission Process for Interior Design USA
- Application Process for Interior Design USA
- Cost of Studying Interior Design in USA
- Cost of Living in the USA for Interior Design
- Career Scope After Studying Interior Design in USA
- FAQs
Why Study Interior Design in the USA?
By 2027, there will be a 45% increase in demand for interior designers, according to US News. Amidst such a demand if you are thinking of studying interior design in USA here are the reasons to do it :
- Students with degrees in interior design are not just limited to working in this industry; they also have a wide range of career options in areas like architectural firms, retail, design consultancies, and construction firms.
- Following the interior design course, you will have the chance to work anywhere with a good salary. Depending on experience, the area of specialization, and other factors, the average annual salary of an interior designer ranges around USD 66,864 (INR 55.23 Lakhs).
- Work with clients from around the world on interior design projects to learn about various industries. Later on, you can advise clients on the design, construction, colour scheme, furniture selection, and finishing touches for their homes.
Skills Required For Interior Designers
For studying interior design in the USA you require these primary skills.
- Good communication skills
- Drawing ability
- Effective client relationship
- Quick decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Ability to multitask
- Eye for creativity and aesthetic
- Ability to understand different materials, colours and textures
Best Courses to Study Interior Design in USA
The needs and requirements of a wide range of people are catered to by the variety of degree programs that interior design colleges in USA offer. This table provides a clear overview of the various options for pursuing interior design education in the USA:
| Course Level | Duration | Focus |
| Bachelor of Interior Design | 3–4 years | Hands-on training in specific areas of interior design, and skill development for the workplace. |
| Master of Interior Design | 1–3 years | Advanced research, integration of classical and modern approaches, architecture, and design concepts. |
| Certificate/Diploma in Interior Designing | 6 months – 2 years | Hands-on training in specific areas of interior design, skill development for the workplace. |
Also Read: Interior Design Courses
Top Universities to Study Interior Design USA
Some of the popular universities offering Interior Design in the USA are as follows:
| University | Popular Course Name | Course Fee | QS World Ranking 2025 |
| University of Pennsylvania | MSc in Design-Environmental Building Design | USD 45,000 | #11 |
| University of California Berkeley | Master of Urban Design | USD 31,500 | #12 |
| University of Texas Austin | — BSc in Interior Design — MSc in Urban Design — Master of Interior Design-First — Professional/Post Professional — MSc in the Sustainable Design | USD 33,576 | #66 |
| University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | BSc in Interior Design | USD 46,778 | #203 |
| Michigan State University | — BA in Interior Design — MA in Environmental Design | USD 42,000 | #152 |
| Purdue University – West Lafayette | — BFA in Interior Design (Professional Program) — MFA in Interior Design | USD 30,794 | 89 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Bachelor of Interior Design | USD 40,104 | #320 |
| Arizona State University | — BSc in Design-Interior Design — BSc in Environmental Design — MSc in Design-Interior Design | USD 31,200 | #200 |
Eligibility Criteria for Interior Design USA
You can check the eligibility criteria for studying interior design courses in the USA on the basis of the course level mentioned below.
For Bachelors
To pursue a bachelor’s in Interior Design, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must have completed their class 12th from a recognised board.
- Although the eligibility criteria vary from university to university so some universities might require a Duolingo test.
For Masters
To pursue a master’s in Interior Design, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must have completed their graduation in related disciplines/ fields from a recognized university.
- Candidates must have scored between 6.5 to 7.5 in their IELTS Score.
- Applicants must have scored between 90 and 100 in TOEFL.
- Some universities ask applicants to submit GRE scores as the main requirement criteria and it should be between 155 and 167.
For Diploma
To pursue a diploma course in Interior Design, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Class 12 from a recognized board is the minimum requirement for undergraduate interior design courses.
- A certain level of math and physics proficiency is required by some colleges.
- Candidates for international universities must submit their IELTS or TOEFL results as proof of their English language proficiency.
Also Read: Interior Design Courses after 12th
Admission Process for Interior Design USA
The admission process for Indian students seeking to study Interior Design in the USA typically involves the following steps:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like architecture, fine arts, or design is usually required.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- A strong portfolio showcasing your design skills and creativity is important.
- Some universities may require GRE scores.
- Research and select universities with reputable Interior Design programs that align with your interests.
- Complete the online application forms for each university.
- Pay the application fee for each university.
- Submit transcripts, degree certificates, portfolio, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores.
- Once accepted, apply for an F-1 Student Visa.
English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements
The IELTS and TOEFL scores are as mentioned below.
| Level | IELTS Scores | TOEFL Score |
| Diploma | Between 6.5 and 7.5 | 79 |
| Bachelors | Overall Band Score of 6 to 7 with a minimum of 6 in each band | 102 |
| Masters | Between 6.5 and 7.5 | 90-100 |
Application Process for Interior Design USA
Every individual university in the USA has its separate application forms, which are usually accessible from the university’s website. Here are the steps that you can take to file your application.
- Students must have a prior degree and submit their SAT/GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL scores, as necessary, to apply to interior design colleges.
- Applicants must also submit official transcripts, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) as part of the application process to study abroad.
- These conditions, though, differ depending on the course and the institution.
- Compile all of your supporting documentation, including essays, certificates, LORs, and test results for the IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, among others.
- Meet all application deadlines and begin the processes for requesting housing, a student visa, and scholarships or loans.
- Accept the offer letter and connect virtually with your professors, classmates, and roommates.
- Get your visa approved and depart for the university of your dreams!
Documents Required
There are some documents that students must keep handy if they wish to pursue interior design in USA. Here we have listed them:
- English Proficiency scores IELTS, TOFEL.
- Academic Transcripts
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Resume/CV
- F-1 student visa
To know the US Application Process in detail, check out this blog
Cost of Studying Interior Design in USA
The cost of studying Interior Design in the USA for Indian students can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
| Category | Public Universities | Private Universities |
| Tuition Fees (Annual) | USD 30,000 – USD 60,000 | USD 40,000 – USD 80,000+ |
| Cost of Living (Annual) | USD 15,000 – USD 25,000 | USD 15,000 – USD 25,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost (Annual) | USD 45,000 – USD 85,000 | USD 55,000 – USD 105,000+ |
Cost of Living in the USA for Interior Design
The cost of living in the USA for Interior Design students can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
| Expense | Range |
| Accommodation | USD 500 – USD 2,500+ |
| -On-campus housing | USD 800 – USD 1,500 |
| -Off-campus shared housing | USD 500 – USD 1,200 |
| -Off-campus studio/1-bedroom | USD 1,200 – USD 2,500+ |
| Food | USD 200 – USD 500+ |
| -Groceries | USD 200 – USD 400 |
| -Dining out | USD 100 – USD 300+ |
| Transportation | USD 50 – USD 500+ |
| -Public transport | USD 50 – USD 150 |
| -Car ownership | USD 200 – USD 500+ |
| Utilities | USD 100 – USD 200 |
| -Electricity, water, internet | USD 100 – USD 200 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 100 – USD 300 |
| -Textbooks, art supplies, software | USD 100 – USD 300 |
| Health Insurance | USD 200 – USD 600 |
| Entertainment & Personal | USD 100 – USD 300+ |
Career Scope After Studying Interior Design in USA
For those aspiring to pursue a career in interior design in the United States, various opportunities from reputable companies like Susan Grant Consultant, Ltd., NDH Search, and The Agency International, LLC open up. Also after pursuing Interior Design in USA, there are many fields where you can work. Some of these are:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Interior Designer | USD 66,864 |
| Interior Decorators | USD 65,000 |
| Exhibition Designers | USD 52772 |
| Lighting Designers | USD 63,392 |
| Sustainable Designers | USD 67,699 |
Also Read: Best Colleges for Degrees and Diplomas in USA
FAQs
Los Angeles, California; Los Angeles City has the highest employment level for Interior Designers.
As per the trend in 2022, Interior Designers are paid $62,570 (INR 51,71,601.34) annually.
Aspirants wishing to pursue their career in Interior Design in the USA would cost USD 38,010 to USD 70,000 (INR 31,44,677.53 to 57,91,303)
An Interior Design degree from the United States enjoys global recognition, opening doors to diverse career paths both domestically and internationally. The esteemed reputation of American higher education provides a significant advantage, enhancing career prospects for graduates worldwide.
Yes, you can absolutely study Interior Design in the USA. Many prestigious universities offer excellent programs, including the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Parsons School of Design, University of California, Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of Texas at Austin.
Yes, interior designers in the USA can earn competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for interior designers in the US was USD 60,340 in May 2021. Salaries can range from around USD 30,000 to over USD 90,000 per year, depending on factors like experience, location, and specialization.
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Its have beed a great help by providing such a information about every aspects of interior design study in usa.
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Its have beed a great help by providing such a information about every aspects of interior design study in usa.