Best Student Loans for Interior Design School in 2025

Demand for interior design professionals is expected to grow by 4% over the next eight years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But interior design school can be expensive, with tuition exceeding $40,000 annually at some of the most sought-after private institutions.

If you need help covering the cost, student loans can fill the gap. Some of the best student loans for interior design students include:

• Federal student loans: These loans have low fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, and don't require a credit check.
• College Ave: This lender offers private student loans with competitive rates, flexible repayment options, and availability for associate degree programs.
• Sallie Mae: This lender offers low interest rates that can be used for eligible certificate or trade school programs in interior design.

Here's a look at the top student loans for interior design school, including other types of financial aid to consider and how to borrow responsibly.

Current private student loan rates

Can you get student loans for interior design school?

Federal student loans are only available if you attend an accredited school that participates in the Title IV federal aid program. This includes most four-year universities, public community colleges, and some public trade schools.

To confirm a school's accreditation status, you can use the Department of Education's accreditation search tool.

If you're not eligible for federal aid (or it doesn't cover your full costs), private student loans may be an option. However, private loans often come with higher interest rates and stricter eligibility requirements.

Federal student aid for interior design school

Interior design students enrolled at eligible schools can apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA gives you access to several types of federal student loans and financial aid:

• Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based loans for undergraduate students. They don't accrue interest while you're enrolled at least half-time or during your 6-month grace period after leaving school.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of financial need. These loans start accruing interest as soon as they're disbursed.
• Direct PLUS Loans are available to graduate or professional students, as well as parents of dependent undergrads. These loans can cover your full cost of attendance, unlike subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
• Pell Grants provide aid for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. This money doesn't have to be repaid.
• Work-study gives undergraduate and graduate students with financial need the opportunity to earn money through part-time jobs to help pay for college.

It's important to note that your enrollment status can affect your federal aid eligibility.

Jill Desjean, director of policy analysis at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), says that “the challenge often comes when someone's pursuing a short-term program,” noting that there are limitations on federal student loans and grants when it comes to the duration of the program.

Best private student loans for interior design school

Private student loans can help bridge the gap if federal aid falls short. Most private lenders issue loans for bachelor's and graduate degrees, but some also offer loans for trade school and certificate programs in interior design.

Why you can trust our Credible experts

The Credible editorial team is independent and unbiased. Partners do not influence our editorial content. To help you find the best student loan for your situation, we conduct thorough research and analyze thousands of lender data points. Using data-driven methodologies, we score criteria that are important to you. This allows us to objectively rank student loan lenders and products. To learn more, read our methodology below.

Methodology

To determine the best student loan lenders for interior design school, Credible collected more than 1,000 points of data on two dozen companies and evaluated them on several different categories: repayment options, eligibility, interest rates, loan terms, and customer support. We assigned a score out of five stars to each lender based on our findings. Below are the weightings assigned to the general categories for the best student loan companies — which comprise individual criteria that are also weighted.

• Repayment options: 30%
• Eligibility: 25%
• Interest rates: 20%
• Loan terms: 15%
• Customer support: 10%

While the best lender for you will depend on your unique needs and financial circumstances, these findings should help answer your questions and assist you in your search for the best student loan.

Learn more about our methodology.

What credit score do you need for a design school loan?

Federal student loans don't consider your credit score when determining eligibility, but private lenders do.

Most private lenders require a FICO score of at least 670 and proof of stable income to qualify, though some may accept lower scores. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. Applying with a cosigner can also improve your chances of qualifying and getting a better rate.

The chart below shows prequalified rates by credit score based on borrowers who used the Credible marketplace to find a lender.

More financial aid options for interior design school

Before turning to student loans, consider other funding strategies to help you cover the cost of interior design school. Options include:

• Scholarships and grants: These awards are considered “free money,” as recipients don't need to repay them. They can be offered by schools, industry groups, or local arts organizations. For example, interior design students can find scholarships through the Interior Design Society (IDS), the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
• School-sponsored aid: Many institutions offer need-based or merit-based scholarships to accepted students. Contact your school's financial aid office to see what's available.
• Competitions: Design contests often come with monetary awards or tuition assistance.
• Part-time work: If you qualify for the federal work-study program, you may be able to earn money through a part-time job. You'll need to complete the FAFSA to see if you qualify. You can also look for on-campus jobs or freelance design work, such as rendering, staging, or managing social media accounts.

Cost of interior design school

How much you pay for interior design school depends on where you enroll:

However, tuition isn't the only expense you'll encounter. Desjean notes that “whenever you get involved in the visual arts, many times the programs get very expensive in terms of the supplies you may need.”

For instance, interior design students may need high-power computers, drafting and rendering software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Suite), studio supplies, and printer portfolios. When combined with books and room and board, these extra costs can significantly increase your total expenses.

Desjean recommends contacting your academic department or financial aid office to ask about additional costs that aren't included in tuition but are essential for completing the program.

Salary for interior designers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for interior designers was $63,490 in 2024. The top 10% of designers earned more than $106,090, while the bottom 10% earned under $38,480.

Several factors can influence how much you earn as an interior designer:

• Specialization: Commercial and hospitality interior design roles tend to pay more than residential ones.
• Location: Designers in urban and metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and San Jose often command higher salaries.
• Experience and credentials: Earning an NCIDQ certification or an advanced degree can boost earning potential and job opportunities. Similarly, a strong portfolio that shows a breadth of experience can also lead to higher earnings.

Smart borrowing tips for design students

Student loans can be a helpful tool, but borrowing too much (or too little) can create financial stress down the road. Here are a few ways to keep your loan debt manageable.

Start with grants and scholarships

These financial aid opportunities don't require repayment. Even a small award can reduce your overall borrowing needs.

Many interior design schools offer internal scholarships for students, so contact your school's financial aid department about potential aid opportunities.

Design-specific scholarships and awards are often available through organizations like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA).

Fill out the FAFSA

Desjean of the NASFAA recommends that students always apply for the FAFSA if their school participates in the federal aid program.

She notes that many students assume they won't be eligible for aid but are often pleasantly surprised to find they are. “It's definitely worth it to fill out the FAFSA and find out. In the worst case scenario, the answer is 'no,' but you'll never know if you don't fill it out,” says Desjean.

Borrow only what you need

Only take out loans for what you truly need to cover the cost of tuition and other program-related expenses. Avoid borrowing extra to finance nonessential lifestyle expenses if possible. This will reduce your overall debt burden and accrued interest after graduation.

Understand loan terms

Before signing a loan agreement, make sure you fully understand the loan's terms, including the interest rate (e.g., fixed or variable), and repayment timeline. It's also important to understand what options are available if you run into any financial hardships during repayment.

Consider your future earning potential

Before borrowing, get a sense of what interior designers typically earn after graduation. Your future income should guide how much you feel comfortable borrowing. Keep in mind that potential earnings can vary drastically by city and the type of interior design career you pursue.