4 Affordable Online Interior Design Degrees (2025)

Obtaining a degree from the comfort of one's home has become increasingly popular. For those with a passion for aesthetics and spatial design, online interior design degrees offer a perfect blend of flexibility and academic rigor.

Recognizing the rising demand for such programs, many institutions now provide high-quality affordable online interior design degree programs.

List of Affordable Interior Design Degrees Online

This guide explores 10 of the most affordable online interior design degree programs available in 2024. These institutions are recognized for their academic excellence, intensive curriculum, and competitive tuition rates.

1. Rocky Mountain College of Art

Rocky Mountain College of Art provides an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design, requiring 125 credit hours for completion.

Within the curriculum, 65 credit hours focus on interior design, covering topics like space planning, lighting design, and construction document preparation. The tuition rate stands at $712 per credit hour.

The program holds accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Prospective students should note a one-time $50 application fee, which may be waived upon request.

2. Berkeley College

Berkeley College offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design, which has the accreditation of the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

This program requires students to complete 120 credit hours for graduation and typically lasts four years. Key areas of study include space planning, building codes and regulations, and color composition.

Additionally, students should budget approximately $515 for specific course supplies. The tuition cost per credit hour is $890.

3. New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology has an online Bachelor of Arts in interior design, accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

This degree program consists of 120 credit hours and is designed for a four-year completion timeline. The tuition cost is $535 per credit hour, exclusive of potential taxes and additional fees.

Students look into essential interior design subjects such as color and composition, structural principles, and building information modeling.

4. Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art University presents an online bachelor's program in interior architecture and design, recognized by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

The coursework incorporates digital documents, expert interviews, and narrated slideshows to help students in completing and submitting assignments through a personalized interface.

The tuition rate is $1,126 per credit hour, with courses commonly requiring three credit hours. However, the university does provide a range of financial aid options to assist students in managing the overall cost.

Similar Online Bachelor's Degrees

For those exploring educational options in design, consider the following alternative online bachelor's degrees that will also equip students with the required skills to become interior design professionals.

Ohio University

Ohio University introduces an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior architecture. This program prepares graduates to venture into both residential and non-residential interior design sectors.

Students are expected to complete 120 credit hours for the bachelor's degree, with an additional eight credit hours dedicated to the major in interior architecture.

For financial considerations, the tuition rate is $307 per credit hour for Ohio residents, while out-of-state students pay $312.

Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art University offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts program in industrial design. This program provides students the flexibility to choose between the conventional 15-week courses or the more compact seven-and-a-half-week format.

The university provides relentless 24/7 support to its distance learners, ensuring they can access resources anytime.

The program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). When it comes to tuition, students should budget for $1,126 per unit.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University presents its online Bachelor of Arts in arts that consists of 120 credit hours and is structured into 40 distinct classes, each spanning an average of seven and a half weeks.

Designed with future interior designers in mind, the curriculum explores topics like photography, the digital nuances of arts, and best practices for design professionals.

A full-time student registering for 12 credit hours each semester will face tuition costs of $6,215 if they're in-state. However, out-of-state students will pay $7,317.

New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology has an online Bachelor of Arts in industrial design, structured around a solid 120 credit-hour curriculum designed for a four-year completion.

The program molds students into competent interior designers. Key areas of the curriculum cover the history of art and design, processes of modeling and prototyping, and the utilization of sustainable materials.

The program proudly holds an accreditation from AACSB International. Financially, students will have a tuition rate of $537 per credit hour regardless of their geographical location.

Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University offers a flexible online Bachelor of Arts in arts and design, tailored for completion within two to four years.

This program spans 120 credit hours, covering foundational topics from an introduction to art and design to practical Adobe software skills.

The program facilitates credit transfers, allowing students to bring in up to 90 credits, which can accelerate completion and reduce costs. Before taxes and potential extra fees, the tuition sits at $495 per credit hour.

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University presents an online Bachelor of Arts in arts, designed to equip students for different art-centric careers, including interior design.

The curriculum includes different art fields, from design principles to the nuances of digital photography and the depths of art history.

The university offers a variety of financial aid options to reduce some of the costs and holds accreditation from the SACSCOC.

In-state students can expect a rate of $191.03 per credit hour, while out-of-state students face a rate of $551.05.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design Cost?

The cost of an online Bachelor's degree in interior design varies significantly, with tuition ranging from $190 to $1,000 or more for each credit hour.

This cost depends on the school's reputation, location, and other factors. Additionally, students might have extra expenses for fees, books, and design tools.

How To Make an Online Interior Design Degree Affordable

To make an online interior design degree more affordable, consider researching public universities which often have lower tuition rates, especially for in-state students.

Always fill out the FAFSA to explore financial aid options and actively seek scholarships tailored for interior design or online students. Some community colleges offer transferable interior design courses at reduced costs.

Additionally, explore payment plans, attend part-time to spread out expenses, seek textbook alternatives, and utilize student discounts on design software.

Is an Online Interior Design Degree Worth It?

An online interior design degree is a great option for many because it offers flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and often at a lower cost.

With the digital nature of today's design world, studying online also sharpens tech skills vital for modern designers.

If the program is accredited and offers practical experience opportunities, it can provide a solid foundation for a successful career in interior design.

Find an Affordable Degree in Interior Design Online Today

Unlock the door to your future in the industry with an affordable online interior design degree, offering a mix of flexibility, practical skills, and complete knowledge to begin the process of changing places and lives.