The cost of learning interior design varies greatly depending on how you choose to approach your learning experience. If you are aiming to earn a traditional university degree, you can expect to spend well above $10,000, at a minimum. Many four-year programs cost upwards of $50,000, depending on whether you have in-state or out-of-state tuition as well as scholarships. These programs offer a deep dive into interior design as well as relevant and elective fields, so it is considered a solid investment. You’ll learn interior design as well as gain some knowledge in architecture, project management, design, and perhaps even psychology. However, if you want to skip the fluff and stick to learning everything you’d need to know to start a career in interior design, you can explore certificate programs and bootcamps which cost much less. This method typically costs anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the level of depth and length. This method is far less time-consuming and costly so it is a worthwhile consideration.
The type of learning style you prefer also plays a role in how much you might spend. Self-paced, on-demand courses are the most budget-friendly option. You can find affordable courses online that are perfect for those who want to learn at their preferred pace. However, if you prefer the standard type of course such as in-person or live online classes, there are many out there. However, this method typically costs more than self-paced options. Ultimately, the cost of a course depends on how much time and personal guidance you want to invest in your education. Whether you are learning just a few basic skills or pursuing a professional interior design job, you can find a course that suits you.
What is Interior Design?
Interior design is the art and science of creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces that work for the people who use them. It involves more than just picking out pretty furniture and choosing a color scheme. This field dives into everything from layout and material options to sustainable design efforts and fixtures. An Interior Designer is concerned with considering how the space will be used and curating a space based on that need. In addition, they are tasked with ensuring the room is comfortable and tailored to the needs of the occupants, whether it’s a living room in a home or a waiting room in an office building.
This field blends technical knowledge with creative ability in a unique and exciting way. Designers need strong knowledge and experience with architectural processes, building codes, and human psychology to understand what makes a space preferable. These professionals work toward creating a visually appealing, safe, accessible, and productive space. Whether it is a residential home, a commercial office, or a public space, Interior Designers work with every element of the design to shape an influential, productive environment.
Learn Interior Design
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
What Factors Impact How Much It Costs to Learn Interior Design?
Before you assume how long it will cost to learn interior design, you’ll have to consider several factors. First, the type of program and its level of length and depth is a huge factor. In addition, if you need additional materials or have to factor in a commute, this could increase the cost of the training. Likewise, there will be a large difference between whether you are pursuing a simple short course or a certificate program. Ultimately, you will need to take time to consider which method works best and is worth the cost.
Type of Program or Course
The type of training you choose will significantly impact the cost. A traditional degree, like a bachelor’s or associate’s, will typically take anywhere from two to four years to obtain and will cover everything from theory to practical skills. These programs are the most expensive by far in tuition alone—once you factor in books, fees, materials, and other costs, it is an incredibly costly endeavor. While these programs are typically effective, they are not always the cheapest or quickest route. You may prefer a certificate program or a bootcamp, which offers slightly more flexibility in terms of length and cost. Self-paced courses are another option that is significantly less expensive than both traditional degrees and other training programs.
Location
The cost of your education can also vary based on where you live or where you plan to study. If you live in a city, you have plenty of options that likely range from university programs to training centers. On the other hand, if you live in a more rural area or simply don’t have that many options in your area, there are live online or self-paced options that may cost less than in-person training options. The location of your program affects your networking opportunities as well, especially if you want to work in a particular region, so you may have to consider how location would change your ability to enroll in a course.
Program Length and Depth
The length and depth of the program determine the cost as well. A degree program that spans years will be the most expensive as it provides the most extensive education that spans beyond interior design alone. On the other hand, certificate programs and bootcamps are much shorter and far less expensive in comparison. There are even shorter courses that last only a few hours or days, many of which typically cost a few hundred dollars. In addition, if you are looking for a more specialized program, this may lower the cost and duration but narrow down the scope of learning. This will vary from training provider to training provider but can typically be seen across the board.
Additional Materials
Besides tuition, you may have to concern yourself with additional costs for things like course materials, fees, books, and software. Some classes require that you purchase software licenses before enrollment to applications such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Adobe Creative Cloud, which can be rather costly unless they are included in the price of tuition. In addition, you may need other tools for creating models. These materials can tack on a serious additional cost so it may be most advantageous to find a training method that offers these programs within the cost of the overall fee.
Accreditation, Certification, or Other Recognition
The level of credibility a training center or program has will likely determine the cost as well. Accredited programs are going to cost more simply because there is more validity behind the curriculum. In other words, you can trust that you are getting what you are paying for. If you want to become a professional Interior Designer, you will need to attend an accredited program that prepares you for the field through a series of hands-on projects and lessons. Some courses may be far less expensive but offer fewer credentials. Whether you are opting for a degree, a certification, or a certificate, consider how the course will reward your hard work and whether that is worth the cost.
Background and Experience
If you already have some experience with interior design such as skills in architecture or digital design, then you may have an easier time moving through an interior design course. As such, you may be able to test out of certain levels and advance through the course quickly. You may already have familiarity with certain design tools, like AutoCAD, which makes the course less stressful. However, if you are a total beginner, you may have to shell out more money for more classes to ensure you are equipped with interior design skills as well as skills in relevant software and design tools.
Learning Style
You’ll also have to ask yourself what you are capable of handling before you enroll in a course. If you know that you thrive in an interactive setting, then an in-person course may be the best option. On the other hand, you may feel comfortable learning from a live online course where you get the flexibility of learning from home but with adequate interaction. Some may feel confident with a self-paced, on-demand course that affords maximum flexibility with a more hands-off approach. Whichever option you pick, there’s a considerable difference in cost, so it is best to go with your gut and do what works best for you.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning Interior Design
When learning interior design, there are several factors to consider that go beyond just time, difficulty, and cost. For example, you will have to think about your unique learning style and the resources available in each training method. If you choose to enroll in a traditional degree program or an in-person bootcamp, you will have different benefits than those enrolled in a live online or self-paced course. Moreover, many training centers have payment plans and universities offer the opportunity for scholarships. Likewise, some courses may offer access to expensive design software that many may not have access to outside of the classroom. This is essential for learning the relevant skills so it’s important to evaluate what resources come with each option.
Another important consideration is the level of commitment that may come with learning interior design. Interior design can be a challenging field, especially if you plan to work in specialized areas like sustainable design, commercial spaces, or high-end residential design. Depending on the complexity of the area you want to focus on, you may need to dedicate more time and effort to learning the technical aspects. Additionally, it’s essential to assess the long-term commitment required for your career. Some design paths, like becoming an Interior Designer, may require additional practical experience so you should have a clear idea of what to expect.
Finally, gaining real-world experience and networking within the industry is absolutely necessary if you want to work in interior design. Beyond all the decor and color schemes, interior design is about applying knowledge in real-world situations. Most training centers offer internships, design challenges, or freelance opportunities to build a portfolio and gain hands-on experience. Networking with others in the field—including everyone from Interior Designers and Architects to Contractors and even clients—can lead to more opportunities that ultimately strengthen your design skills. You’ll want to experience as much as possible while learning and growing as an interior design professional, so you should choose a learning method that aligns with that endeavor.
How Can I Learn Interior Design?
Live online classes are a great way to enjoy a traditional classroom experience but from the comfort of your home. You will learn from an experienced instructor, log in at scheduled times, and complete hands-on projects just like you would in an in-person class. You can ask your instructor questions and chat with classmates. Plus, the course is structured to give you as much immersive experience as possible despite the virtual setting. Being able to connect with others is useful for networking and gives you multiple perspectives. In the end, you’ll end up a more well-rounded interior design professional.
If you are someone who likes to learn at a pace that suits them, you can opt for self-paced, on-demand classes. They are a great option for someone who needs or prefers additional flexibility to support them through the learning process. With this method, you will watch pre-recorded lectures, go through modules, and complete various lessons to help you pick up the skills and absorb the material. While you don’t have live interaction between an instructor or peers, many of these courses offer support through emails, chatbots, or discussion boards. This option is great if you have a busy schedule or want to build upon your skills on your terms.
In-person classes are for those who thrive in a traditional classroom setting because you get to learn face-to-face. You’ll get hands-on instruction and direct interaction with the material, which is great for a beginner who needs that extra assistance. Of course, this requires you to have adequate transportation and time to make the commute. Depending on your location and schedule, this may be tricky, but if you’re someone who values a structured, traditional learning environment, this could be the best option.
Overall, each learning method has its perks and downsides that could vary based on learning needs, schedule, location, and goals. Live online and in-person classes offer interaction yet require you to follow a more structured schedule. On-demand classes are self-paced and flexible but do not offer the interaction that some students may depend on to acquire new skills. No matter which method you pick, the key is to make sure it aligns with your needs and preferences and helps you develop the skills you need to succeed in interior design.
Learn Interior Design with Hands-on Training at VDCI
VDCI offers a variety of courses that can help you build a solid foundation in interior design and other related fields and skills. For instance, the CAD Certificate Program spans eight months, totaling 280 hours of class time. This is a part-time, totally online course that offers flexibility for busy schedules but still gives you a thorough education in computer-aided design software. Specifically, you will learn how to master AutoCAD, which is an industry-standard software for creating floor plans, layouts, and design blueprints. The program covers everything from fundamental tasks like creating drafting symbols to more advanced techniques like demonstrating layer and file management. Above all else, it will prepare you for a field in interior design, architecture, or a related field. You will have access to a flexible payment plan and free student software. In addition, you’ll earn several credentials, including a verified certificate of completion and an AutoCAD Fundamentals and AutoCAD Professional badge.
Likewise, there is an AutoCAD Fundamentals course that lasts 12 weeks, totaling 60 total hours of instruction. This is a part-time, fully online course that gives you thorough instruction in AutoCAD essentials. This is a great course for beginners who want to learn the foundational skills that will set them up for success in the future. You’ll learn how to create kitchen and bath fixtures, design a floor plan, and integrate information into one concise file. In addition, you will learn how to apply layer management, user coordinates system development, and even practice creating sheet layout environments. This course gives you flexible payment options and free student software so you are set up for success.
If you want to start simple, consider the Introduction to Photoshop course from VDCI. Here, you will learn how to navigate and use Photoshop for imagery enhancement. In addition, you will learn how to adjust, enhance, and refine imagery for marketing purposes. This course can be hugely beneficial for an Interior Designer who wants to provide their clients with the best design mock-ups possible.
You could also consider the Introduction to InDesign course where you will learn how to design brochures, flyers, business cards, books, postcards, and other digital publishing projects. You’ll learn how to create and adjust graphics as well as draw shapes and design your work for a commercial printer. In addition, you will learn the design principles and practice designing images with varying file types, purposes, dimensions, and colors.