Top Interior Design Schools (US)

Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and other esteemed institutions have solidified themselves as leaders in the study and practice of interior design, setting the benchmark for aspiring designers seeking a comprehensive education in this dynamic field. Among these, Pratt Institute holds a distinctive position, earning recognition as one of the top institutions for interior design in the United States. According to US News & World Report’s 2009 rankings, Pratt Institute is tied for first place with RISD, demonstrating its reputation for innovation, creativity, and rigorous academic programming. Following these two leaders are the University of Cincinnati and New York School of Interior Design, emphasizing the nation’s strong tradition of nurturing talent in the arts and design.

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious art, design, and architecture schools in the United States. With campuses in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Utica, New York, Pratt offers a unique combination of urban and small-town settings that provide students with diverse learning environments. Accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools adds a layer of credibility to its programs, while its membership in the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) further underscores the school’s commitment to excellence in art and design education. This accreditation and institutional association allow students at Pratt to engage in a well-rounded, industry-recognized curriculum that emphasizes both creativity and practicality.

Pratt's reputation for excellence extends across various disciplines, with its graduate industrial design and interior design programs ranked 3rd in the country by DesignIntelligence in 2008. This recognition highlights Pratt’s commitment to providing students with cutting-edge programs that prepare them for the modern challenges of interior design, architecture, and other creative disciplines. The school’s dedication to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration has made it a leader in nurturing the next generation of interior designers, artists, and architects.

Pratt Institute offers a diverse array of undergraduate programs tailored to the needs of aspiring creative professionals. The undergraduate curriculum includes programs such as advertising art direction, animation, architecture, art and design education, construction management, critical and visual studies, digital arts, graphic design, fashion design, fine arts, history of art and design, and interior design, among others. The range of options available allows students to explore their creative interests and specialize in their chosen disciplines while developing technical expertise and a strong foundation in theory and application. Moreover, the variety of programs offered reflects Pratt’s mission to provide a comprehensive art and design education that fosters both intellectual curiosity and hands-on experience.

In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Pratt Institute provides a wide selection of graduate degree programs, further cementing its role as a leader in creative education. Master’s programs include the Master of Fine Arts in digital arts, the Master of Science in art and design education, the Master of Industrial Design, and the Master of Professional Studies in art therapy, among others. These graduate degrees emphasize research, creative practice, and professional application, providing students with opportunities to engage deeply with their disciplines while preparing for leadership roles in their respective fields. Pratt’s commitment to graduate education ensures that students have access to a variety of pathways for advanced study and professional development, whether they are seeking specialization, career advancement, or personal exploration.

The interior design program at Pratt is one of the most well-regarded in the nation, reflecting the school’s ability to combine technical skill with artistic vision. The program emphasizes the creation of innovative, functional, and aesthetically compelling interior spaces. Students in the interior design program are trained in a wide range of areas, including spatial planning, environmental design, sustainable design principles, and the integration of technology into interior design projects. Additionally, the curriculum at Pratt prioritizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, equipping students with the necessary skills to work effectively in diverse settings and adapt to evolving design trends and challenges.

The reputation of Pratt’s interior design program is matched by the accomplishments of its alumni, who have gone on to work with prestigious design firms, launch their own creative practices, or engage in cutting-edge design research. The emphasis on both theoretical learning and hands-on application ensures that students graduate with a robust portfolio, practical knowledge, and the professional confidence needed to make meaningful contributions to the field of interior design.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is another powerhouse institution recognized for its contribution to interior design education. Like Pratt, RISD has earned a reputation for excellence in the arts and design, with numerous programs across disciplines such as industrial design, fashion/apparel design, graphic design, illustration, photography, painting, and interior design. RISD’s comprehensive approach to design education allows students to study interior design alongside related disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary thinking and creativity.

RISD’s interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore connections between various design fields, creating well-rounded graduates equipped to tackle complex design problems in diverse professional settings. Students can engage in a combination of art, design, and cultural studies while developing the technical skills and innovative design approaches necessary to excel in the fast-paced world of interior design. The RISD learning environment is collaborative, encouraging students to push boundaries while maintaining a strong emphasis on creative exploration, experimentation, and artistic expression.

While RISD focuses on fostering creative exploration, Pratt emphasizes a balance between conceptual exploration and professional preparation. Both institutions emphasize hands-on learning, cutting-edge design technology, and experiential opportunities to ensure that students have the most up-to-date knowledge and practical experience. In addition to RISD and Pratt, other institutions like the University of Cincinnati and the New York School of Interior Design rank highly in national surveys, further indicating the depth of talent and educational excellence in the field of interior design in the United States.

The US higher education landscape for interior design education offers students the opportunity to study at top-ranked institutions such as these, providing pathways into careers that involve designing spaces that are both functional and beautiful, integrating aesthetics, sustainability, user experience, and environmental psychology. Interior designers from these programs often find themselves in industries such as residential design, corporate design, hospitality design, healthcare design, or even in specialized design areas like retail and exhibition design. With programs like those offered at Pratt and RISD, students are exposed to real-world challenges and creative opportunities, from designing highly personalized private residences to designing large-scale commercial spaces.

The diverse offerings of these design programs, combined with their well-established reputations and comprehensive curricula, ensure that students graduate equipped with the technical knowledge, creativity, and adaptability necessary to thrive in a dynamic industry. Both Pratt and RISD emphasize the importance of creative exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional design skills—qualities that make their graduates leaders in the field of interior design. These programs prepare students for both artistic self-expression and problem-solving in addressing the evolving demands of interior design and architecture.

Pratt Institute and Rhode Island School of Design represent the pinnacle of interior design education in the United States. Their commitment to innovation, creativity, and academic rigor has positioned them among the nation’s top institutions for interior design and other design-related disciplines. Through their comprehensive programs and diverse offerings, these institutions continue to shape the future of interior design by training talented, visionary individuals who go on to shape spaces, communities, and experiences worldwide.