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Every interior needs a designer, from the most exquisite rooms to the simplest spaces.
Living and working spaces influence overall well-being.
For that reason, most people now look at rooms as more than just a functional space.
Nebraska’s real estate market is 35% more competitive than the national average.
Hence, the demand for qualified interior designers never dwindles.
Article Table of Contents
States Requirements for Interior Designers
Interior designers in Nebraska are permitted to practice independently.
National certification is not mandatory when working in this state.
On the other hand, those working in code-based environments must collaborate with an architect.
Educational qualifications are vital, and a degree in interior design qualifies you for quick employment.
Anything less than a bachelor’s degree often necessitates an additional two or three years of relevant work experience.
5 Interior Design Schools in Nebraska
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
The College of Architecture offers the interior design course and is fully accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation).
It is open to international students, transfer students, and high school students.
The type of enrollment determines the tuition fee.
All newly admitted first-year and transfer students pay or defer a $250 enrollment deposit to finalize admission and secure a spot in the incoming class.
- Course Name: Bachelor of Science in Design
- Duration of course: 4 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees per academic year: Resident – about $9,000 and $25,000 for out-of-state students.
University of Nebraska – Kearney
At UNK, the interior design coursework focuses on developing relevant skills in evidence-based design, advancing technologies, and product design.
Thanks to the New Nebraskan Scholarship, all U.S. undergraduate students pay in-state tuition regardless of their current residential status.
- Course Name: Bachelor of Science in Interior and Product Design
- Duration of course: 4 years, full-time
- Tuition and fees per academic year: Both resident and non-resident students – $18,719.50 ( $209 per credit hour)
Wayne State College
The Interior Design course will enable you to recognize, research, and skillfully explore factors for enhancing the quality of the interior environment.
In addition to on-campus study, you can study abroad while earning credits towards your degree course.
- Course Name: B.A. or B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus on interior design
- Duration of course: 4 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees: Residents are admitted under the Nebraska Access Program. They pay $186 for each credit hour. Non-residents will part with $187. However, non-residents who graduate in the top half of their high school class scoring at least 1100 on their SAT, 22 on the ACT, or have a 3.25 GPA, are also eligible for the Nebraska Access Program.
Metropolitan Community College
Nebraska’s largest community college offers an associate’s degree program in interior design.
The coursework covers study areas such as business entrepreneurship, design techniques, sales, and marketing.
You also get an internship opportunity, and you can transfer acquired credits to a 4-year institution.
- Course Name: Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design
- Duration of course: 2 years, full-time
- Tuition and Fees per academic year: Residents – about $3,000 and Non-residents – about $4,000
Penn Foster College
One of the few institutions to offer the interior design course entirely online, Penn Foster College delivers on-demand learning.
The coursework is developed with convenience, quality, and affordability in mind.
- Course Name: Interior Design Associate Degree
- Duration of course: 16-24 mo, full-time
- Tuition and fees per academic year: $4,000 – $6,000. The difference depends on whether you pay in full or opt for a low-cost customized payment plan.
Interior Design Schools in Nebraska – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Nebraska - Lincoln | 1400 R Street Lincoln, NE 68588 |
| University of Nebraska - Kearney | 2504 9th Ave, Kearney, NE 68849 |
| Wayne State College | 1111 Main Street, Wayne, NE 68787 |
| Metropolitan Community College | 1234 Hartman Ave, Omaha, NE 68110 |
| Penn Foster College | 14300 N Northsight Blvd., Suite 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
Interior Designer Salary in Nebraska
As in other states, interior designer salaries in Nebraska vary depending on several factors.
These include educational qualifications, earned certificates, years of relevant work experience, and any additional skills you possess.
Nonetheless, a professional hired by an architectural firm will be paid differently from one who works at a furniture retail store.
According to salary.com, the annual earnings for an interior designer practicing within Nebraska ranges between $38,667 and $53,482.
The latest data indicates that as of February 2022, the average salary stands at $48,769, and the average hourly rate is about $20 – $30.
Some of the highest-paid interior designers are in cities like Scottsbluff, North Platte, Omaha, Norfolk, Grand Island.
These locations have an active interior designer job market.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $46,108 |
| Lincoln | $45,886 |
| Bellevue | $46,108 |
| Grand Island | $45,252 |
| Kearney | $45,252 |
| Fremont | $45,421 |
| Hastings | $45,252 |
| North Platte | $43,875 |
| Norfolk | $41,068 |
| Columbus | $45,252 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | 100 | $51,960 | $24.98 | $72,950 | $31,440 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 290 | $57,880 | $27.83 | $79,830 | $37,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
- https://catalog.unl.edu/undergraduate/courses/ides/
- https://www.wsc.edu/interior-design
- https://www.mccneb.edu/Academics/Programs-of-Study/Art-Design-and-Communications/Interior-Design
- https://penn-foster.com/degree/interiordesign/
- https://www.unk.edu/academics/itec/interior_design/index.php
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a degree in interior design?
In Nebraska, a B.A. or B.S. degree in Interior Design takes 4 years to complete.
An Associate degree requires two years to complete.
Online-based coursework requires 16 to 24 months and typically depends on your dedication and availability.
Do I need interior design national certification to work in Nebraska?
No, you do not, unless you work in a code-based environment, you can practice independently.
However, holders have more opportunities for higher compensation, plus they can easily find work in other states.
How do I become a licensed, certified, or registered interior designer?
You must take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) exam and attain a minimum score of 500 out of 800.
You require at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credit hours of post-secondary relevant coursework at an accredited institution to enroll.
You also need a minimum of 1760 hours of interior design work experience.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Certified Interior Designer
Interior Design Schools by State